After being reborn, I make up my mind to stop chasing after my husband and daughter

Chapter 4

I looked back at Jared. It had been years since he’d cared about me. Honestly, I wanted to laugh. I knew he wasn’t worried about me–he was worried about how his wife would look.

“Got an issue?” I shot back, no more staying quiet.

Jared scowled, clearly pissed. But he didn’t argue–he’d tolerate anything until it threatened his precious bottom line.

“Nah. Just don’t stay out too late,” he replied, turning and heading upstairs.

Behind me, Mom was still fussing over Yvonne at the table, cooing “sweetie” while shoveling bites into her mouth.

I shook my head, feeling defeated. I wouldn’t stop anyone from taking care of Yvonne. But I couldn’t love her like a typical mom anymore.

I stepped outside, jingling my car keys. Jared had given me a silver Mercedes–Benz E–Class years ago, but the garage had better options. I usually drove the Bentley to pick up Yvonne from school, because it looked more impressive.

I fired up the engine, floored the gas, and drove into the dark night. I’d made plans with an old college friend, Melissa Jenkins, a lawyer who was single and had been hustling in the city for years.

Not long ago, she’d bought a new place and asked me over to warm it up. But that day, Yvonne had gotten deathly sick- throwing up, diarrhea, the whole mess. I’d stayed up all night with her.

When Jared rolled in, he’d tore into me for taking Yvonne to the mall playground, claiming that was where she had caught the virus.

To make up for missing Melissa’s housewarming, I’d asked Melissa out tonight.

She rushed over, briefcase in tow, her face registering total disbelief.

I held out a small blue box. “Missed your housewarming. This is my make–good.”

my God, Victoria, you’re so awesome!” she squealed, quickly clasping the bracelet

I can’t accept this.” She started to yank it off, though

caught her hand. “If we’re still friends, keep

in Melissa’s eyes as she pulled me into a tight hug.

I pulled out two movie tickets. “Wanna go watch

“Whoa, sudden plans? Did your

with a confident smile. In my previous life, I’d lived a suppressed and gutless existence–always looking busy,

at me, her face a mix of shock and excitement. “Well, I love seeing you like this. It’s just like the

you.”

1 nodded. “Me too.”

1/3

into the theater, Melissa reached out and brushed a hand over my back. I turned

Your back looks amazing. I had to check it out. But seriously,

together. “Do I look good in

leaned in, whispering in my ear. “Half the guys here are about to trip over themselves. Your back is so damn

loud. Some things never changed–Melissa was still the same jokester

my voice too, rambling. “Heard some big shot say—if you’re pretty, you gotta go out and let

“Jared cool with that?” Her tone sounded like his mood was

“A guy who controls what his wife

out laughing, drawing weird looks from everyone around us. She quickly covered her

passed her a bucket of popcorn. “Here. Stuff

didn’t pay much attention to the movie, while Melissa ate it

hand. Finally, I had a moment to process this

around. And there was only one path

In my,previous life, I thought this was the ultimate goal for a woman, and I was totally satisfied,