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

Chapter 7

Melissa was way more panicked than I was. She gripped my hand, terrified I’d make a scene. After all, Jared was a big–shot executive. She probably figured if we caused a public embarrassment, I’d end up regretting it.

“Victoria, I’m so sorry. I–I had no clue…” Melissa stammered, worried I might do something crazy.

I patted her hand gently and whispered, “It’s fine. Where’s our table? Let’s go sit.”

Melissa’s eyes went wide in disbelief–my calm must’ve thrown her off. “Victoria…” she started, then trailed off.

I gave a cool smile. “I know that woman. She’s Jared’s assistant, Tracy. No big deal.”

Melissa peeked over quickly, let out a breath, and led me to our table.

Maybe my dress–part innocent, part sexy–was too eye–catching, but Jared spotted me right away. And plenty of guys around us couldn’t help but look up at me, too.

“Mom!” Yvonne suddenly stood up and called out.

but she didn’t budge. Instead, she

gently, and whispered something

Jared stood

me.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his eyes

“Mr. Holcomb, I invited Victoria to

her and then nudged

mumbled reluctantly, “Hi,

gushed right away. “Yvonne, you’re getting so pretty, and you’ve grown so much

at Yvonne. “Want to go with your mom?” he

Yvonne shook her head firmly. “I’m done eating. Tracy said she’ll take me to the arcade

turned to me. “We’re heading

smile, calm as

stared at me, confused. Clearly, he hadn’t expected this–no scene, no anger, not even a question about the short- haired woman

to their table, grabbed their

disappear through the door, then turned to me, her face full of sympathy. “I’m so sorry, Victoria. I shouldn’t