Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Jared’s first question was about my lunch plans.

The scent of roses intensified as he approached. I schooled my features into indifference. “Cafeteria.”

Our company cafeteria would make me special dishes if I asked.

He watched me for a moment. “Come to lunch with me and some friends.”

Jared’s inner circle consisted of three childhood friends–two men and a woman, one couple dating since college.

In six years of marriage, I’d met them maybe five times. His invitation caught me off guard.

“Are you sure?” Not that I minded going if he wanted me there.

“Why not? They know you.” His eyes traveled over my outfit. “When did you get this? I don’t remember seeing it before.”

I gave a small smile. “Complete closet overhaul. What do you think of the dress?”

Jared’s lips thinned slightly. “Meet me downstairs in ten.”

Men were so predictable. For years, Jared hadn’t noticed what I wore, but this curve–hugging dress suddenly made me visible.

If visual appeal was what worked, I’d play the game.

If he saw me as nothing but a trophy, I might as well look like one.

His sudden interest in showing me off to friends spoke volumes.

than a shiny accessory. He didn’t bring me along as his wife, but as

slid into his car ten minutes later,

intertwined with mine. My eyes snapped

fingers with care. “Your hands are so soft,” he murmured. “All

holding them. “Beauty doesn’t come cheap,” I said dryly.

it.” He pulled a

ever let you go when

laughing. His hand clamped

“I just mean… feelings can

overthink it.” He squeezed my other hand, and then stiffened. “Where’s your

I’d promised on our wedding day

surprise perfectly. “Oh no, where is it? Did

1/3

“A diamond ring

be because I lost weight,” I said softly. “I dropped from 132

completely. “Don’t worry,” he said, patting my hand. “We’ll buy a

I’d rather

mind, only he could buy my wedding band, and I had

the money and let me choose my own

phone rang. He kept hold of my hand, absentmindedly stroking my fingers while he took the

hanging up, Jared said, “I’ve got things to do this afternoon. Go pick it out yourself–I’ll have the

I said sweetly, leaning against his arm and conveniently forgetting to mention

for the wedding ring, some thrift store ring would do–that

was worth.

the restaurant, Jared’s friends were already there–all

was that while they still relied on family allowances, Jared had already taken over the family business. Same privileged upbringing,

Victoria!” a bright female

dressed casually but elegantly. With her delicate features and the soft lilt of her