Chapter 98

My heart gave a little jolt. "Ugh, Jared's not someone you can easily play mind games with. I should’ve known that by now," I thought.

"So, you don't like me being so driven and motivated?" I raised an eyebrow, showing a bit of attitude.

After a few seconds, Jared replied in a husky voice, "I actually do. You're still young. It's only right you have this much energy."

"So, what did you really think of me back when I was just letting myself go?" I asked, taking the chance.

I still remembered overhearing him chatting with his friends. They said I was just eye-candy—just something nice to look at around the house.

'Would he dare say that to my face now?' I wondered.

"I didn't really have any particular thoughts. I just thought you did a great job taking care of the house," Jared replied in a calm voice.

"I'm not asking about what you think of what I do. I mean what you think of me," I corrected him.

Just then, we hit a red light. He stopped the car, turned to look at me, and said, "The version of you I've always liked was the one I first saw leading the dance on stage.

"And now, it feels like that part of you is back."

I choked up for a second, my voice a little stiff. "So, you only care about my looks?"

Jared nodded, his tone almost ruthless. "Of course. The first thing I ever liked about you was your appearance."

I instantly wilted, dropping my head. So, that was what Jared really thought.

"Upset?" Jared asked, steering the wheel smoothly as he turned onto another street. "Wasn't it because I'm rich, successful, and easy on the eyes that you agreed to date me?"

I just stared at him, lost for words.

Seeing me go quiet, Jared just laughed. "We're pretty much even, so let's not overthink it."

"I fell deeper in love with you after marrying you, but you loved me less and less after you married me. We're walking two totally different roads. How could you say we're pretty much even?" I bit my lip and shot back.

This was a twisted kind of marriage. He just wanted a pretty, obedient wife to give him kids, while I, a total fool, actually thought he married for love.

Jared pressed his lips together and stayed silent.

I kept mocking, "Love is like shifting sand. Guess that’s the real truth."

Jared was clearly frustrated. "Alright, regardless of how we got here, we're still husband and wife, and we're Yvonne's parents. That part isn't going to change."

I didn't say another word. When one stripped away all the illusions, there was no sweetness or happiness left in this marriage, just a bare-bones deal. I traded my looks for his support and money.

But it took me thirty years in my previous life to finally realize that when beauty faded, so did love.

Beauty might be a powerful weapon, but it could never be the foundation of real happiness.

When we got to the office, Tracy came over right away. "There are a few important documents that need your signature."

Jared nodded and followed her straight into his office.

I could feel all those gossipy stares aimed at me, but I straightened my back, held my head high, pushed open my office door, and left all their drama-hungry eyes outside.

Around seven in the evening, Jared suddenly knocked on my door. "I've made plans with some friends. Come have dinner with us."

I kept my eyes on the computer screen and just glanced at him. "I still have work to do, so I’m not going."

Jared’s brows knitted. "Just do it tomorrow. It's not that urgent."

I remembered my plans. So I packed up my things and left with him.

We were meeting up with a few of Jared's childhood friends. When we got there, they were in the card room, shouting about needing one more player. Naturally, Jared joined the table.

Jared said to me, "Grab a chair and sit down."

I froze for a second, and the other guys looked at us in disbelief, then started grinning at us with teasing, knowing looks.

"Victoria, you're looking more and more gorgeous these days. No wonder Jared takes you everywhere he goes," one of them joked.

"If he doesn't keep a close watch on her, someone might just steal her away. That'd be a real loss," another guy said with a grin.

Jared didn't bother responding to their jokes, just lazily drawing his cards.

All of a sudden, I stood up, ready to leave.

Jared reached out and caught me by the arm. "Where are you going?" he asked.