Chapter 6

Jared came in while I was showering. By the time I stepped out in my pajamas, he was already sitting on his side of the bed in his pajamas, flipping through a book. The soft rustle of pages was the only sound breaking the silence.

I sat down at the vanity and began my skincare routine, taking my time. I glanced over the desk, mentally noting what I needed to pick up the next day.

After about ten minutes, Jared called from the bed, “You ready?”

I finished slathering on moisturizer, then walked over and climbed into bed.

Jared set his book aside, turned off the overhead light, and left on the little lamp by the bed. The soft, dim light created an intimate, almost sensual atmosphere.

One of his hands reached over, resting on my chest. Then, in his usual polite, graceful way, he asked, “This okay?”

I’d been waiting for this. I met his gaze, my expression serious. “I’m beat today. Maybe next time.”

His hand froze. After what felt like forever, he pulled it back. “Sure.”

Funny enough, despite the tension, I fell asleep quickly. No crazy, jumbled thoughts—just a deep, solid sleep. My alarm woke me up the next morning.

Jared was already gone. I shook off the sleepiness, got dressed, and headed out. Right by the door, I heard Yvonne whining, “Dad, drive me to school. I don’t want her to take me. I’m still mad at her.”

Jared sighed, “Yvonne, she’s your mom.”

“But she hit me! What kind of mom does that to her kid?” Yvonne shot back, sharp as ever.

“She did it to teach you a lesson,” Jared said. “She didn’t mean it. It hurt her, too.”

“Hmph, I don’t care. You have to drive me, Dad,” Yvonne insisted, digging her heels in.

Jared had always been a pushover with her and could never say no. So he gave in, saying, “Okay, come with me.”

Yvonne grabbed her backpack and trotted after him down the stairs.

I hid by the door, listening until I heard them head downstairs. Then I decided to stay put. They grabbed breakfast to eat in the car, and only then did I come down.

I watched their car drive away, thinking to myself, ‘Good. Those two can stick together. Just stay out of my way!’

I had two things to do today: hire two solid servants to handle the house, and find a detective to snap pics of Jared and Tracy cheating – I needed solid proof for the divorce, especially when we split our assets.

In my first life, I never cared much about money. I always had a few million in my bank account, but I never bought luxury items or treated myself—I just played the perfect housewife, saving every penny like it was my full–time job.

But now, I realized I needed to hold onto that cash. The more, the better.

Mom came with me to the agency. We interviewed three rounds of candidates before selecting two servants we liked. That afternoon, I took Mom downtown shopping and went all out buying her things. She looked completely overwhelmed.

On the drive home, she wouldn’t let up. “Victoria, Jared’s money isn’t free. How could you spend like that? Twenty grand on a scarf? Is it woven with gold? That’s crazy.”

“Just enjoy it. Consider it as my precious love for you,” I said softly, my chest tight. She’d always been such an amazing, loving mom. In my first life, she hadn’t lived much longer. Now, I wanted her to have it all.

“This isn’t right,” she argued. “I know you’ve got money, and you’re sweet to think of me. But I’m old. I don’t need fancy things. Put your energy into Jared and Yvonne. Make your marriage work. Have a healthy baby boy soon, and that’s the best gift you could give me.”

My mom was stuck in that old–school mindset – she was totally obsessed with having a grandson.

In my previous life, I’d tried everything, downing herbal medicines and seeing countless doctors, desperate to get pregnant quickly. But Jared barely paid any attention to me. So, I never had another kid, not even as I got older.

In this life, no way I was having a son for him. I turned to Mom, my voice flat. “I already have Yvonne. That proves I can have kids.”

“Of course you can. You’re both young. Jared’s the oldest son, running the company now. If he doesn’t have a son, people will talk behind his back. He must want a boy,” Mom insisted.

She was totally stressed, worried that without a son, my position in the family would be at risk.

But I figured if Jared wanted a boy, Tracy would give him one. I was not wasting a second on that.

All I cared about was finding proof he was cheating. Then I’d push for a divorce and get my share of the assets. With money, looks, and youth on my side, I’d definitely live my best life.

I didn’t want to pick a fight with Mom or upset her. So I switched gears. “Mom, you’re leaving the day after tomorrow? Why not stay a little longer?”

Mom sighed, “I can’t leave your dad and brother alone. As long as I know you’re doing okay, I’m good.” She’d always been a worrier, always putting family first.

I could tell her mind was made up, so I didn’t push to make her stay. But when she left, I secretly slipped a million–dollar gift card into her bag.

Lately, Jared hadn’t been home, and Yvonne was nowhere to be found – no calls, no messages.

But this time, I didn’t even bother checking in, unlike in my previous life. Back then, if I’d lost track of them, I’d have felt completely lost, desperately calling and texting to find them.

I cleared out all the clothes I’d never liked—either throwing them away or donating them. The shoes in the cabinet that weren’t my style got the same treatment. I replaced everything with a new collection.

The two servants had moved in – one handled cleaning, the other cooking – and suddenly my days became easier. But I was done going through the motions. I decided to get my professional skills back on track, start a new chapter, and go back to work.

I’d studied hotel management in college. Dancing and violin were hobbies my parents had invested in for me. Then I got married, had a kid, and got comfortable – dropped everything. Now, I was picking it all back up.

I hired a tutor to brush up on my skills. And my Englysian was pretty rusty. It was the global language, so I was determined to nail it – for future travel, maybe even moving abroad.

Last time, I gave Melissa a gold bracelet. She felt like she owed me and insisted on taking me out to a fancy dinner, so here I was.

“Whoa, this dress was made just for you. Stunning!” Melissa gushed when she saw me walk over.

I’d heard that purple exuded a unique charm, so I chose a form–fitting purple slip dress – off–the–shoulder, a little bit of back showing. A dainty platinum necklace and swan earrings finished the look.

I always knew what kind of woman caught a man’s eye – that subtle, effortless allure. Finally, I was leaning into it.

Melissa led me inside, and suddenly, she grabbed my hand. “Victoria, let’s go to another restaurant.”

But I already saw what she was trying to hide. By the window sat Jared with Yvonne, and beside them was Tracy in a beige business suit.