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.

had fallen all over himself to impress at the reunion. What was

here?

“Damn, he’s hot,”

tell if he was laughing at me

another good–looking guy walked in and joined

Melissa whispered. “Just

back a laugh

must have caught his attention. He turned and fixed me with an

eyes locked by accident, sending a strange flutter through my chest, like the first note of my favorite song

1/3

Chapter 25

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

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

men completely. But she–never having been with anyone–still clung to her romantic fantasies. The challenge was

the way. Coming

me first. I grabbed the phone, stomach

“Damn it,” I hissed.

“Don’t

up, I found myself staring at

attractive.

Hallman,” he

hadn’t

piercing eyes after saying his name,

cracked screen,” I said, focusing more

necessary,” he said quietly. “I’ll take

is,” I said, turning back toward

I had–about a thousand

I gave him the money, he caught my hand instead.

at him. “You already told

recognize me? I’m the one