Chapter 30

Jared’s first question was about my lunch plans. The scent of roses intensified as he approached. I schooled my features into indifference. “Cafeteria.”

Our company cafeteria would make me special dishes if I asked.

He watched me for a moment. “Come to lunch with me and some friends.”

Jared’s inner circle consisted of three childhood friends – two men and a woman, one couple dating since college. In six years of marriage, I’d met them maybe five times. His invitation caught me off guard.

“Are you sure?” Not that I minded going if he wanted me there.

“Why not? They know you.” His eyes traveled over my outfit. “When did you get this? I don’t remember seeing it before.”

I gave a small smile. “Complete closet overhaul. What do you think of the dress?”

Jared’s lips thinned slightly. “Meet me downstairs in ten.”

Men were so predictable. For years, Jared hadn’t noticed what I wore, but this curve-hugging dress suddenly made me visible. If visual appeal was what worked, I’d play the game. If he saw me as nothing but a trophy, I might as well look like one. His sudden interest in showing me off to friends spoke volumes. So that was my role – nothing more than a shiny accessory. He didn’t bring me along as his wife, but as another one of his status symbols.

When I slid into his car ten minutes later, I immediately closed my eyes. Then his warm fingers intertwined with mine. My eyes snapped open to find his hand holding tight.

He examined my fingers with care. “Your hands are so soft,” he murmured. “All that extra care you’ve been taking shows.”

I let him keep holding them. “Beauty doesn’t come cheap,” I said dryly. “I’ve been spending a fortune lately.”

“Good thing I can afford it.” He pulled a platinum card from his pocket. “Your birthday’s the PIN.”

I took it with a smile. “How could I ever let you go when you spoil me like this?”

I’d said it lightly, but Jared wasn’t laughing. His hand clamped down on mine. “Are you seriously thinking about leaving me?”

I pouted slightly. “I just mean… feelings can change unexpectedly.”

“Don’t overthink it.” He squeezed my other hand, and then stiffened. “Where’s your wedding ring?”

A cold dread washed over me. I’d promised on our wedding day never to remove it. I feigned surprise perfectly. “Oh no, where is it? Did I lose it?”

Jared’s forehead creased. “A diamond ring doesn’t just disappear.”

“It must be because I lost weight,” I said softly. “I dropped from 132 to 110 pounds. Sorry, sweetheart, that ring cost a fortune.”

My act convinced him completely. “Don’t worry,” he said, patting my hand. “We’ll buy a replacement this afternoon.”

“No need. I have others at home.” Truth was, I’d rather have the cash equivalent than another ring from him.

“Those don’t count. They’re just everyday jewelry.” Jared was old-fashioned that way. In his mind, only he could buy my wedding band, and I had to wear it forever.

“Darling, why don’t you give me the money and let me choose my own ring?” I dropped the pretense and spoke my mind directly.

Jared frowned slightly when his phone rang. He kept hold of my hand, absentmindedly stroking my fingers while he took the call.

After hanging up, Jared said, “I’ve got things to do this afternoon. Go pick it out yourself – I’ll have the money sent to you.”

“Thanks, darling,” I said sweetly, leaning against his arm and conveniently forgetting to mention the card he’d just given me. If Jared sent the money, I’d quietly save it all. As for the wedding ring, some thrift store ring would do – that was all his love was worth.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Jared’s friends were already there – all around our age, all from the same privileged circles. The only difference was that while they still relied on family allowances, Jared had already taken over the family business. Same privileged upbringing, but he was clearly the most capable.

“Oh, you brought Victoria!” a bright female voice called out cheerfully.

The woman, Sandra Lynn, was dressed casually but elegantly. With her delicate features and the soft lilt of her Shaville accent, she had that classic, refined beauty.

Having met me previously, they were all quite at ease.

Jared made the announcement. “Victoria’s joining the business. I’m putting her in charge of the Harmonia Hotel.”

“Cool,” said Wendell Wright, Sandra’s boyfriend. He was easygoing but had a wicked tongue.

The other guy, George Thomson, was the more level-headed one.

I didn’t know them well – our last meeting had been over two years ago, and I’d never bothered to ask how they were doing. Then again, rich kids never sit still for long.

We lounged on the balcony, soaking up the sun while waiting for lunch. Their conversation drifted to market trends, and I listened without jumping in.

“You’ve lost weight, Victoria. And your style’s improved,” Sandra remarked. Women always sized each other up, and she’d been eyeing me before tossing out the compliment.

Just like that, the attention shifted to me – along with the conversation.

Jared smiled. “Victoria was always a bit slow to mature, still so childlike until recently. She seems to be coming into her own now.”

“That’s because you’ve been spoiling her rotten. You never gave her a reason to grow up,” Wendell said with a chuckle.

Jared’s expression froze momentarily at the remark.

Sandra pinched Wendell’s arm. “What nonsense are you spouting? Are you saying Jared isn’t loving enough now, so she had to mature?”

Jared’s gaze fixed on me, piercing and intense. I simply smiled without responding.