Chapter 823
Thinking about how Jared had kept popping up around me these past two years, a thought flashed through my mind. I immediately slipped my hand into Ryan’s, looking up at Jared. “Mr. Holcomb, what brings you here out of the blue?”
Me taking Ryan’s hand said it all. Jared knew me well–when it came to love, I was the avoidant type: quiet, kept my feelings to myself, never the one to make the first move. Only if someone guided me would I ever truly fall for them.
Ryan looked a bit surprised too, his eyes dropping to where our fingers were laced together.
“Sorry to intrude,” Jared said, and though he forced a soft laugh, you could see the hurt flickering behind his calm mask. “So… that bet we made before, looks like I lost, didn’t I?”
I thought back to that time we went to the board meeting at Nathan’s company. On our way by the riverside, Jared said, if I was still single three years later, he’d ask me to start over with him. Back then, I never really agreed–I just told him he should let go and open himself up to a new future.
But during the past two years, every move Jared made had been hinting at his silent gamble with me. He was always looking out for me, always there to help my company however he could. Of course, business is always give–and–take, and I’d helped him out plenty in return. But right then, it finally sank in for Jared–there was no way I’d go back and start over with him.
“Yeah, Mr. Holcomb, stop living in the past,” I said, not a trace of warmth in my voice. He stepped back, the smile fading from his lips. A heartbeat later, he just turned and headed for the elevator.
I was taken aback for a moment when Ryan caught my hand and held it up, giving me a sidelong look. “Care to explain what’s going on?”
I gave a wry little laugh. “It was just some dumb bet–he thought I’d end up marrying him again.”
Ryan asked quietly, his eyes searching mine. “So… these past two years, did you ever think about getting back together with him?”
“No way,” I said with resolve. “I’m not making the same mistake twice.”
Ryan’s deep gaze locked on me. “When you say you won’t walk that road again… Are you talking about married life?”
I was stunned, totally speechless. For a moment, I couldn’t even think of how to refute him. I heard the elevator doors slam shut outside, so I just closed my own door without thinking.
Ryan showed up with a whole bag of groceries, and I figured I’d cook him some lunch. Noticing I was still silent, Ryan followed me into the kitchen, standing just behind me. “I’ve been digging into some psychology books lately. If a woman’s been really hurt in a marriage, she rarely finds hope in marriage again. Even if she gives it another shot, she’s scared to really open her heart. Those scars stick around, always reminding her to step carefully.”
I turned to face him. “You… read those books just for me?”
Ryan nodded, all sincerity. “Yeah. I just wanted to learn how to be with you without ever hurting you where you’re already wounded.”
‘There are no scars anymore,‘ I told him softly, as I pulled out the groceries, separating what I’d use for lunch from the rest and tucking the extras into the fridge. Jared was nothing more than a shadow from my past now, and watching him leave just then finally let me put all those old regrets to rest.
“Vic, since you’ve decided to be with me, you’ve got to be real with me,” Ryan suddenly said, getting all possessive.
I looked at him and grinned. “Back then, I was anxious and unsure of myself. But that’s all changed–I’ve got my career now. If something ever goes wrong, I’ve got my job, my bank account, and a ticket to anywhere I want in the world. Even if I get upset or cry, at least I can drown my sorrows in delicious food and breathtaking scenery.”
Ryan paused for a second, a little stunned, then hugged me from behind. “How do you come up with all these wild ideas?”
“Why don’t you step out for a bit? I need to get lunch started,” I said, gently removing his fingers from around me.
“Let me help you,” Ryan suddenly offered.