Chapter 77

Jared’s eyes were bloodshot, like a wild animal ready to lash out. He stared right at me, but inside, I felt as calm as a still lake.

I knew he was mad because I'd stopped caring about the family, because I had my temper, and because I no longer tried to please him like before.

But I wasn’t born to be a doormat. I didn’t want to start arguing big philosophical points with him, because whether I won or lost, it would only prove our marriage was falling apart.

In my previous life, I had been a jealous wife, a shrew, a bitter woman. In this life, I just wanted to live with dignity.

“Honey, I know it’s tough to support the family. I didn’t work before, so I didn’t understand how hard it was out there. Now I do."

“So from now on, don’t spend so much money on me. I want to learn to support myself,” I said lightly, like a flirty girl who could leave him anytime.

Jared waited for me to get all teary and say sorry. But I stayed cool and distant. His anger melted away instantly.

We’d been married for over thirty years. I knew him well. His upbringing wouldn’t let him lose control or act impulsively. So he didn’t argue. He just sat down on the couch, looking dark and brooding.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said those things. I don’t deny everything you’ve done for this family. I know that since Yvonne was born, you went through a rough time with no freedom and no social life. What I can do is give you peace of mind with material things,” Jared said with a heavy voice. He closed his eyes painfully and added, “Victoria, maybe one day we’ll get divorced. When that happens, will you regret it?”

My eyes brightened. I stared at him and asked, “Regret what?”

Jared saw I was suddenly energized again and frowned. “Regret fighting with me, regret your pride being too strong. Hachester’s not your hometown. You’ve lived here six years, but other than Melissa, you have no other friends. If we divorce, where will you go?”

I almost laughed. Jared was stuck in the false idea that I couldn’t live without him. He had no idea I’d broken free from everything that used to hold me back. I was way out of his league. I had nothing to regret.

“Honey, honestly, if we divorced, would you give me a settlement?” I flipped my hair flirtatiously and gave him a seductive look.

Jared’s brow tightened. He was testing me with a joking tone to see if he still had control. Smart people loved messing with idiots for fun.

“Yes. We’re married. I wouldn’t let you leave empty-handed,” Jared said, clearly wanting to drop the subject. He stood and headed for the door.

“Honey, when I picked you, I knew I was right,” I smiled at him. “As for where I’d go after divorce, Hachester isn’t where I was born. I don’t know anyone here except Melissa. I’d just go back home, or to Braylin. My brother’s studying there.”

My words stopped Jared in his tracks. He turned to look at me, but only pressed his lips tightly and walked out.