Chapter 354

I tiptoed up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “Hey, as long as we’re happy together, that’s what matters most. Don’t let stuff like this get you down.”

“Victoria, why are you so different?” Nathan stared at me, a bit stunned. “Most women wouldn’t walk away empty-handed. If they had the chance, they’d just want to get as much as they could.”

I laughed. “When I divorced Jared, I got a pretty good settlement. That’s plenty for me.”

“So, are you hoping to get a cut from me too?” Nathan joked.

I blinked at him. “Who gets married just to cash out in a divorce? That’s just nuts.”

Nathan couldn’t help but laugh. As I smiled, he pulled me in for a deep kiss, then scooped me up and set me down on the table next to us.

The table didn’t seem sturdy enough for what we were doing, so out of fear, I instinctively wrapped my arms tighter around his shoulders.

Nathan took the chance to kiss me even deeper, and he seemed to love how tightly I was holding onto him.

It was like sparks flying when dry wood meets a raging fire–Nathan was absolutely insatiable, giving it his all that night.

I don’t know how other women feel about it, but as for me? I seriously can’t go without it anymore. Honestly, I think we should be doing this every few days at least.

It just makes me feel so alive, body and soul.

Nathan was supposed to spend the night, but a sudden phone call pulled him away. He didn’t explain what it was about–just left in a rush.

The next morning, I was still half-asleep when my alarm went off.

That’s when it hit me—I had to take Yvonne to school for her first day.

I quickly got ready and drove to her school. Sure enough, there she was, standing in the sunlight with her little backpack, waiting for me.

Jared was there with her. As I walked up, Yvonne ran over to me, grinning from ear to ear. “Mom, I thought you weren’t coming!”

I smiled and ruffled her hair. She looked like a little lady in her school uniform–so full of spirit and confidence.

Once we finished registration, Yvonne stayed behind to get to know the place and meet her classmates. We’d be back to pick her up at three.

Jared and I gave her some quick tips and reminders, then headed out together.

Suddenly, Jared asked, “There’s still some stuff left at your old place. Do you still want any of it?”

I hesitated for a moment. “I already took everything that mattered. What’s left is just some old clothes and things–just toss them for me, okay?”

“What about those flowers you used to take care of? Most of them have wilted now that it’s early fall, but there are still a few orchids you loved. Why don’t you take them with you to Shaville?” Jared suggested.

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. Just give them to someone else.”

Jared’s eyes dimmed. “You’re not even keeping the plants you put so much care into. Guess you really are ready to leave everything behind.”

The sun was blinding, so I pulled out my sunglasses and slipped them on. Flashing him a smile, I said, “It takes guts to sit down at the table, but you also need the nerve to get up and walk away when you have to.”

Jared stared at me, stunned. “You really are something else.”

“What else am I supposed to do? Hold onto the past and just feel sad?” I laughed.

Jared couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from me, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. “You know, ever since you got together with him, you look years younger.”

“Maybe it’s just my mindset that’s changed–or maybe love really is the best beauty treatment,” I replied quietly.

Just then, Jared’s phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it, and his expression changed instantly.

Jared shoved his phone in front of me, showing a photo. “Nathan was seen picking up a young, gorgeous girl at the airport at 3 AM last night. Did he tell you about that?”

I felt a chill run down my spine.