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.

jumped–that was the same man Lloyd had fallen all over himself

here?

him too. “Damn, he’s hot,” she

couldn’t tell if he was laughing at me or at some private

good–looking guy walked in

guys always travel in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just like

choked back a laugh at

He turned and

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

1/3

Chapter 25

delicate eater today–tiny bites, perfect posture. No question she’d noticed one of the guys

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

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

on the way. Coming out, I nearly collided with someone, sending their phone clattering

sickening crack hit me first. I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping at the spiderwebbed

“Damn it,” I hissed.

said, “Don’t worry. My fault

staring at

attractive.

Hallman,” he said

hadn’t asked his

my gaze with those piercing eyes after saying

me pay for your cracked screen,” I said, focusing more on making things

not necessary,” he said quietly. “I’ll take

I said, turning

the cash I had–about a thousand dollars–into

been waiting silently in the hallway. When I gave him the money, he

him. “You already told

don’t you recognize me? I’m the one you helped with 250 thousand