Chapter 813

I couldn’t figure out why Jared sent me those two photos. Was he hoping I’d step in and stop Nathan from chasing his own happiness?

“Jared, you have way too much time on your hands,” I shot back, feeling annoyed that he kept joking about Nathan. ‘Seriously, what does he get out of this?’

He texted again, “Word around the office is that Ms. Rivers came back to the country just because of Nathan.”

“It’s normal for capable people to be drawn to each other,” I replied.

“Aren’t you jealous?” Jared finally showed his hand.

I had some free time, and texting back and forth was getting annoying, so I decided to call him.

When Jared answered, he sounded a bit surprised.

“You seem pretty worked up. Calling just to get more details?” he teased.

“Look, everyone deserves a shot at happiness. Quit spying on Nathan’s life–he really does deserve the best. If he finds someone who truly clicks with him and they build a future together, that’s just how things should be,” I said calmly, just speaking my mind to Jared.

Jared went quiet for a moment, clearly caught off guard by what I’d said.

“Honestly… I figured you’d never let your backup guy just go off and get married,” Jared mocked himself with a bitter laugh.

“Backup guy?” That word kind of stung. I told Jared, “Maybe I haven’t been good at keeping boundaries with guys, and that’s why you saw it that way. I’ll try to change that.”

Jared got really quiet after I opened up like that.

“Honestly, I’m genuinely glad if Nathan’s found someone who fits him. I just wanted to test you, see if you still have any feelings left for him,” Jared finally said, laying his cards on the table.

I knew Jared was trying to figure something out all along.

“Alright, that’s enough. Just stop interfering in other people’s lives and focus on your own,” I said calmly. With that, I hung up.

Lately, I’d started watching military documentaries about the West, picking up bits and pieces about what was happening over there. When I caught myself actually getting interested, I felt a strange lump in my chest.

Ryan was like a firework–one moment dazzling, and the next, just gone, leaving nothing behind.

I’d been to Braylin a lot lately for work and family, but I realized–once fate was over, we really didn’t get to bump into someone else ever again.

Meanwhile, Aiden had started dating a high school teacher. She was two years older than him, a local from Braylin with a gentle, graceful look. On top of that, she was genuinely cheerful and easygoing. They hit it off right away.

Thinking back to that girl Sophia, who was way too manipulative and always knew how to work people, Aiden didn’t stand a chance against her–he was just a pawn in her game.

But this high school teacher was a perfect match for Aiden’s straightforward personality. They clicked instantly, shared a ton of interests, and started their own happy chapter together.

With Aiden happily paired up, my folks naturally turned their attention–and their matchmaking radar–straight to me.

For the past year and a half, I’d been grinding non–stop, and before I knew it, people had started calling me a strong, independent woman–a total boss lady. Playing the corporate games, chasing both fame and fortune, that was my life. But I was clear–eyed about it all; I knew this hustle wouldn’t last forever. When the market finally tanks, I’ll just bow out gracefully and live the peaceful life I’ve been craving, I thought.

I wanted to make the most of these golden years, carve out more time and energy, and actually figure out what was next–for me and for my family.

“So, you’re not still talking to any of those guys you used to see, Vic?” my mom asked, showing up by my bedside with a plate of fruit while I was still half asleep. “That Mr. Hallman you brought home last time… he really looks like the kind of man you could settle down with.”

I threw off the covers and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.