Chapter 95

Suddenly hearing Jared’s voice, I snapped my eyes open and turned my head to look at him.

I saw him raise both hands above his head and bow deeply, looking completely devoted.

He was dressed in casual clothes, and for once, he didn’t have that usual stern, bossy aura. Instead, he looked refined and elegant, like a breath of fresh air.

I was a bit annoyed, though. He’d interrupted me while I was praying. I hadn’t even finished properly praying for some wealth, and he just had to butt in.

So, I said, “I’m praying for money.”

Jared, who had just bowed twice, suddenly turned to look at me. “Aren’t you here to pray for a child?”

I laughed, “Money is more loyal than a son. Money doesn’t go through a rebellious phase, but sons do, from childhood all the way to adulthood.”

Jared gave me a speechless look, then finished his prayers and stood up.

I ignored him, closed my eyes, and continued my silent prayer. Finally, I bowed three times sincerely and turned to leave.

Outside, the sun was blazing, so bright I could barely keep my eyes open.

Jared was standing under a tree, watching me. Yvonne and Quinn had wandered off somewhere with Sally.

I didn’t want to go over to Jared, so I purposely headed in the other direction, taking in the sights as I walked.

Jared strolled after me at a leisurely pace, then suddenly sped up to catch up. “You’ve been a bit cold lately.”

Keeping my eyes on the crowd, I said lightly, “Have I? I feel like I’m the same as before.”

“You never used to just turn away when you saw me,” Jared pointed out.

“We’ve been married this long. No need to act all lovey-dovey, right?” I teased casually.

Suddenly, Jared grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a quieter corner. “Are you still mad about me having dinner with Tracy?”

I gently shook off his hand and looked him straight in the eye. “I’m not mad at you. I just think I can’t force some things. Like you?

“If you end up liking someone else, I wouldn’t blame you. You’re great. It’s only natural that people are drawn to you.”

“You’re acting weird,” Jared frowned. “It’s like you’ve been holding a grudge against me lately.”

“Isn’t this how most couples are? We’ve been married for seven years. Feelings fade, it’s just how it goes,” I said, turning to leave.

But Jared quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my way. “Victoria, you’re not really thinking of divorcing me, are you?”

I shot him a look, then turned my gaze away.

“Is it because of Nathan?” Jared suddenly brought up his name. “He’s younger than me, a hotshot in tech with a limitless future. Did you fall for him?”

I was totally mad at suddenly getting accused like that. I shot back with a sneer, “I’m not like you, Jared. I don’t mess around behind my spouse’s back.”

“It’s not as disgraceful as you think between me and Tracy,” Jared shot back, his face flushing with anger as he tried to defend himself.

I stared into his reddened eyes, remembering how, in my previous life, he had admitted to me just how passionate things were between him and Tracy. However, now he was denying it. Probably, he really thought I was that naive.

“Jared, can you honestly say you’ve never once thought about divorcing me to be with her? Can you swear here?” My voice was icy, my gaze sharp as I stared him down. “Think carefully.

“This church is famous for its power. Oaths made here have a way of coming true.”

Jared’s face went from red to pale. In the end, he didn’t dare swear. He just stood there, hands on his hips, staring off into the distance in frustration.

I immediately walked around him, turned a corner, and saw Sally holding Yvonne’s hand as they came over.

“Hi, Mommy.” Yvonne spotted me and ran over, looking a bit happy as she grabbed my finger.