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

The storm howled outside, rain hammering against the windows as Jared’s words made my blood run cold.

Why was he asking this now? Was he worried I’d discovered his secret, or was this his way of coming clean? Would he sit me down again to negotiate his relationship with Tracy, just like before? My mind raced with questions.

Back then, I’d been such a fool, clinging to that worthless marriage certificate, refusing to surrender my place.

This time around, I would gladly accept if Jared offered the same deal again, taking only the money and nothing more when I left.

“What’s wrong? Got something to hide?” I asked, forcing a teasing tone I didn’t feel.

Jared was dangerous–a man who could smile while burning with rage inside, and then retaliate in ways his victims never anticipated.

of caring about our marriage, I’d lose everything. My safest move was

long pause, he said, “Don’t believe anything you hear. They’re just rumors without substance. Yvonne is still young, and we need to think

ignore the rumors while using our daughter’s youth as justification made me wonder if he was avoiding confessing his affair with

his promises but wouldn’t admit it, making me question myself while denying every rumor. Still, I knew one truth–rumors didn’t start without reason, and gossip usually contained some

I said, stepping closer with a carefully crafted smile. “You’re the only

face. “How are you settling in at

me. Yvonne and I… we’re still not on

just the two of us.” Jared’s

was wearing an off–the–shoulder knit top, the fabric slipping just enough to

his lips brushed my shoulder. “Don’t work late. Go home early.”