Chapter 396

I paused for a moment, then said, “The only ones I truly care about are the people who brought me into this world and the one I brought into this world.”

Jared looked stunned for a second, then let out a bitter laugh. “Really? So after the divorce, there’s no love, no family, and now not even a shred of attachment left between us?”

I stared down at the two lemon slices in my glass and said quietly, “Jared, I’m not hung up on you and Tracy anymore. Maybe you should just find someone new and start over.”

Jared’s hand shook as he held his coffee cup, almost spilling it. He set the cup down on the table, and his whole vibe suddenly grew colder.

“Why are you so quick to push me to find someone else? Have my feelings for you turned into a burden? Am I making things hard for you?” Jared could always take things to another level with his imagination.

I gave him a puzzled look.

Jared shot me an angry glare. “So what, if I move on, you can be with Nathan or Edward without any guilt? Is that it? You think that’ll keep people from dragging your name through the mud?”

“Why are you getting so worked up about this?” I let out a soft sigh. “I’m just looking out for you. Honestly, your parents would probably want you to move on and find someone new.”

Jared looked at me with a hint of blame in his eyes, gritted his teeth, and turned to stare out the window. Outside, a rolling green meadow stretched on and on into the distance.

“I’m just not the type to move on,” Jared finally said after a long silence. “I loved you so much, and I still couldn’t hold onto you. If I tried again, it’d only hurt even more.”

I stared at him, honestly shocked he’d say something like that.

“No, just because we didn’t work out doesn’t mean you won’t be happy with someone else. The problem between us is obvious—we just don’t have enough to talk about, and we see the world differently. If you look for someone who’s really on your wavelength, I’m sure you’ll find someone who truly gets you,” I said sincerely.

Jared turned to look at me. “Maybe, but none of them will ever be you.”

I froze.

Jared leaned back, letting out a bitter laugh. “I’ve watched you grow from a teenager to who you are now. We’ve shared so many unforgettable nights and memories together. Tracy—she’s practically perfect: smart, accomplished, beautiful. But… I never felt that wild spark for her.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “That’s just because you were used to me first. If I hadn’t asked for a divorce and shaken things up, you would’ve gotten used to her eventually.”

Jared stared at me for a moment, then gave a little laugh. “Do you remember that night I had a nightmare and just wanted to hold you while I slept?”

I thought back, and yeah, there really was a night like that—he fell asleep with his face buried against my chest, just like a little kid.

Jared dropped his gaze to the table and spoke softly, “I dreamed you died. Tracy was wearing a wedding dress, telling me you were gone so she could finally marry me. I saw you lying there, and people were about to cover you with a white sheet…”

“Stop!” I threw up my hand. “Don’t go telling ghost stories in the middle of the day just to freak me out.”

“That dream was so clear—I still remember every little detail,” Jared said, giving me a long, haunted look. “Victoria, can you please stop trying to push me to move on? Even if you’re not by my side, I still feel… content, in my own way.”

I started to wonder if Jared was seriously messed up—like, not just a little, but really not okay.

“I’m not yours anymore. Where does your satisfaction even come from?” I shot back, my tone full of sarcasm.

“When your soul has found where it belongs, that kind of fulfillment goes far beyond any emotional craving,” Jared replied.

I blinked at him. “You’re still so young—already chasing after some kind of deeper meaning in life?”

Jared gave a wry laugh. “Not really. That’s why I’m always racking my brain for ways to win you back, isn’t it? Honestly, the rush of wanting something I can’t have gets my blood pumping way more than actually having it ever could.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“So if I just string you along forever, that’ll keep you satisfied for life?” I shot back, rolling my eyes.

“Would you really make me wait forever?” Jared asked.

I turned my face to the window and shook my head. “No, I won’t. Honestly, it might not be long before I get married again.”

“Who are you going to marry?” Jared’s face, calm just a second ago, suddenly darkened like a storm rolling in.