“Victoria, meeting you feels like a dream. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel real,” Nathan whispered, his chin resting on my shoulder.

“Really? Then tell me. Do you think this is real, or is it just an illusion?” I asked, my chest tightening with fear.

Deep down, I was scared that my new life was nothing but a dream. Maybe at any moment, I’d wake up in that hospital room, hearing my husband and daughter quietly making plans for what to do after I was gone.

“Nathan!” I suddenly turned to face him, curling up in his arms like a ball.

“What’s wrong?” Nathan asked, his voice full of concern and a little anxiety.

“Can I bite you?” I blurted out, surprising myself with the question.

He looked shocked for a moment, then laughed and asked, “Where do you want to bite me?”

Without thinking, I grabbed his arm and sank my teeth into it.

Nathan let out a soft, muffled sound. “It doesn’t hurt. If you want to bite me again, go ahead.”

In the darkness, I traced the marks I had left on his skin with my fingers. “So this is real, not a dream,” I murmured.

“Victoria, you’re shaking. What’s wrong?” Nathan asked with concern, holding me close.

I felt his warmth and started to relax, both physically and mentally. “I’m fine, just a little tired,” I whispered.

“Sorry, I’ll be more gentle next time,” Nathan said apologetically. After three rounds of sex in a row, I could barely lift my arms.

“Okay,” I mumbled, resting my head on his arm and starting to drift off to sleep.

When the alarm went off in the morning, I woke up groggy, suddenly remembering I had a hotel tasting event at nine.

I shifted and felt an arm wrapped around my waist.

Nathan also woke up, frowning a little. “You got some work today?”

“Yeah, go back to sleep for a bit,” I said, gently moving his arm off me. I grabbed a thin robe and slipped into the bathroom.

When I came out, Nathan was awake, sitting on the edge of the bed in his pajamas and looking at me.

“Is it something formal?” he asked.

“Not really. Why don’t you come with me? You can give me some feedback,” I said, grinning at him.

“What exactly is it for?” Nathan perked up, sounding interested.

“The hotel is launching some new food and drinks. They’ve invited the investors here for the conference to try them out,” I explained.

“If you want me to come, I’m in,” Nathan said, not hesitating at all.

That was what I loved about Nathan. He was always up for anything and still had that spark for life. If it were Jared, the way he used to be, he wouldn’t even bother. He’d just think it was a waste of time.

Once Nathan got dressed, we headed out together.

We’d barely reached the elevator when the doors slid open, and there was Jared, holding Yvonne’s hand and coming face to face with us.

“Mom. Nathan.” Yvonne’s eyes went wide with surprise. “You guys are holding hands?” She stared at our linked fingers and then glanced down at her own little hand still wrapped in Jared’s.

Jared’s expression was gloomy, his eyes frosty and distant.

“Yvonne, have you had breakfast yet?” I asked her.

Nathan grinned and greeted her. “Morning, Yvonne!”

“Mom, where are you and Nathan going? Dad said he’s heading back and wants me to stay here to keep you company,” Yvonne said and then looked up at Jared. “Dad, if you’re busy, just go ahead. I’m gonna hang out with Mom.”

Jared didn’t look happy, but he nodded. “Okay.”

Nathan and I stepped into the elevator, and the tension was so thick once we got in.

When we reached the third floor, Nathan and I walked out, with Yvonne following close behind.

Jared didn’t say a word to us. He just kept that icy look on his face and rode the elevator upstairs.

With Yvonne joining us, things actually felt more relaxed. She’d light up every time she saw something to eat.

While I was busy talking to the investors, Nathan stepped up and took care of Yvonne–showing her around, picking out snacks for her, and even taking her to the lounge to shoot some hoops and play a few games.

Once I finished up my business, I went over to find them.