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

Chapter 25

The passing executives gave me knowing smiles. “Good morning, Mrs. Holcomb,” they greeted respectfully.

“Good morning,” I responded with warm professionalism.

Tracy’s face fell. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she hurried toward the conference room.

Just as I reached my office, Jared emerged from his. His brows furrowed at my outfit–that familiar disapproval flashing across his face.

I ignored him. After last night, I had every right to be cold.

“I’m heading to a meeting,” he said, still making time to ask, “Want to do lunch later?”

I barely glanced back. “No, thanks. I’m having lunch with Melissa.”

Jared wasn’t accustomed to rejection, and my constant refusals clearly irritated him, though he could do little about it.

“Fine,” Jared said curtly before walking away.

I spent the morning handing over duties to the hotel managers, and then met Melissa for an early lunch at eleven.

Melissa kept eyeing every attractive guy in the place, desperately seeking that storybook–perfect romance.

I understood her panic, but kept advising patience.

“Victoria,” she fretted, “I’m 28 now, two years older than you. You’ve got a six–year–old daughter, while I’ve never even held hands. Seriously, what’s kissing like?”

I nearly choked on my coffee. Why was she asking me of all people about kissing?

“Bland and forgettable,” I remarked, lifting my cup.

Just as I finished speaking, a deep male laugh came from the table behind me.

I turned to see a man in a black shirt casually drinking coffee, looking like he was waiting for someone.

man Lloyd had fallen all over himself to

here?

him too. “Damn, he’s hot,”

laughing at

then, another good–looking guy walked in

travel in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just

back a laugh at her ridiculous

must have caught his attention. He turned

by accident, sending a strange flutter through my chest, like the first note of my favorite song catching me off

1/3

Chapter 25

No question she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too bad she couldn’t work up the nerve

intervene, I shook my head. “I’m retired from men,” I said. “If

my failed marriage had turned me off men completely. But she–never having been with anyone–still clung

excused myself to the restroom, settling the bill on the way. Coming out, I nearly collided with someone, sending their phone clattering

hit me first. I grabbed the

“Damn it,” I hissed.

voice above me said, “Don’t worry. My fault

knew that voice. Looking up, I found myself staring at our mystery guy from earlier–now glasses–less

attractive.

Nathan Hallman,” he said

paused–I hadn’t asked his

my gaze with those piercing eyes

screen,” I said, focusing more

said quietly. “I’ll take

it is,” I said, turning back toward

had–about a thousand dollars–into his hand. “For a new

I gave him the money, he caught my

him. “You already told me

fell. “Victoria, don’t you recognize me? I’m the one you helped with