Chapter 6 Jared came in while I was showering . By the time I stepped out in my pajamas , he was already sitting on his side of the bed in his pajamas , flipping through a book . The soft rustle of pages was the only sound breaking the silence . I sat down at the vanity and began my skincare routine , taking my time . I glanced over the desk , mentally noting what I needed to pick up the next day . After about ten minutes , Jared called from the bed , " You ready ? " I finished slathering on moisturizer , then walked over and climbed into bed . Jared set his book aside , turned off the overhead light , and left on the little lamp by the bed . The soft , dim light created an intimate , almost sensual atmosphere . One of his hands reached over , resting on my chest . Then , in his usual polite , graceful way , he asked , " This okay ? " I'd been waiting for this . I met his gaze , my expression serious . " I'm beat today . Maybe next time . " His hand froze . After what felt like forever , he pulled it back . " Sure ." Funny enough , despite the tension , I fell asleep quickly . No crazy , jumbled thoughts - just a deep , solid sleep . My alarm woke me up the next morning . Jared was already gone . I shook off the sleepiness , got dressed , and headed out . Right by the door , I heard Yvonne whining , " Dad , drive me to school . I don't want her to take me . I'm still mad at her . " Jared sighed , " Yvonne , she's your mom . " " But she hit me ! What kind of mom does that to her kid ? " Yvonne shot back , sharp as ever . " She did it to teach you a lesson , " Jared said . " She didn't mean it . It hurt her , too . " " Hmph , I don't care . You have to drive me , Dad , " Yvonne insisted , digging her heels in . Jared had always been a pushover with her and could never say no . So he gave in , saying , " Okay , come with me . " Yvonne grabbed her backpack and trotted after him down the stairs . I hid by the door , listening until I heard them head downstairs . Then I decided to stay put . They grabbed breakfast to eat in the car , and only then did I come down . I watched their car drive away , thinking to myself , ' Good . Those two can stick together . Just stay out of my way ! I had two things to do today : hire two solid servants to handle the house , and find a detective to snap pics of Jared and Tracy cheating - I needed solid proof for the divorce , especially when we split our assets . In my first life , I never cared much about money . I always had a few million in my bank account , but I never bought luxury items or treated myself - I just played the perfect housewife , saving every penny like it was my full - time job . But now , I realized I needed to hold onto that cash . The more , the better . Mom came with me to the agency . We interviewed three rounds of candidates before selecting two servants we liked . That afternoon , I took Mom downtown shopping and went all out buying her things . She looked completely overwhelmed . On the drive home , she wouldn't let up . " Victoria , Jared's money isn't free . How could you spend like that ? Twenty grand on 1/3 a scarf ? Is it woven with gold ? That's crazy . " Just enjoy it . Consider it as my precious love for you , " I said softly , my chest tight . She'd always been such an amazing . loving mom . In my first life , she hadn't lived much longer . Now , I wanted her to have it all . " This isn't right , " she argued . " I know you've got money , and you're sweet to think of me . But I'm old . I don't need fancy things . " Put your energy into Jared and Yvonne . Make your marriage work . Have a healthy baby boy soon , and that's the best gift you could give me . " My mom was stuck in that old - school mindset - she was totally obsessed with having a grandson . In my previous life , I'd tried everything , downing herbal medicines and seeing countless doctors , desperate to get pregnant quickly . But Jared barely paid any attention to me . So , I never had another kid , not even as I got older . In this life , no way I was having a son for him . I turned to Mom , my voice flat . " I already have Yvonne . That proves I can have kids . " " Of course you can . You're both young . Jared's the oldest son , running the company now . If he doesn't have a son , people will talk behind his back . He must want a boy , " Mom insisted . She was totally stressed , worried that without a son , my position in the family would be at risk . But I figured if Jared wanted a boy , Tracy would give him one . I was not wasting a second on that . All I cared about was finding proof he was cheating . Then I'd push for a divorce and get my share of the assets . With money , looks , and youth on my side , I'd definitely live my best life . I didn't want to pick a fight with Mom or upset her . So I switched gears . " Mom , you're leaving the day after tomorrow ? Why not stay a little longer ? " Mom sighed , " I can't leave your dad and brother alone . As long as I know you're doing okay , I'm good . " She'd always been a worrier , always putting family first . I could tell her mind was made up , so I didn't push to make her stay . But when she left , I secretly slipped a million - dollar gift card into her bag . Lately , Jared hadn't been home , and Yvonne was nowhere to be found - no calls , no messages . But this time , I didn't even bother checking in , unlike in my previous life . Back then , if I'd lost track of them , I'd have felt completely lost , desperately calling and texting to find them . I cleared out all the clothes I'd never liked - either throwing them away or donating them . The shoes in the cabinet that weren't my style got the same treatment . I replaced everything with a new collection . The two servants had moved in - one handled cleaning , the other cooking - and suddenly my days became easier . But I was done going through the motions . I decided to get my professional skills back on track , start a new chapter , and go back to work . I'd studied hotel management in college . Dancing and violin were hobbies my parents had invested in for me . Then I got married , had a kid , and got comfortable - dropped everything . Now , I was picking it all back up . I hired a tutor to brush up on my skills . And my Englysian was pretty rusty . It was the global language , so I was determined to nail it - for future travel , maybe even moving abroad . Last time , I gave Melissa a gold bracelet . She felt like she owed me and insisted on taking me out to a fancy dinner , I'd 2/3 Chapter 6 agreed , so here I was . " Whoa , this dress was made just for you . Stunning ! " Melissa gushed when she saw me walk over . I'd heard that purple exuded a unique charm , so I'd chose a form - fitting purple slip dress - off - the - shoulder , a little bit of back showing . A dainty platinum necklace and swan earrings finished the look . I always knew what kind of woman caught a man's eye - that subtle , effortless allure . Finally , I was leaning into it . Melissa led me inside , and suddenly , she grabbed my hand . " Victoria , let's go to another restaurant . " But I already saw what she was trying to hide . By the window sat Jared with Yvonne , and beside them was Tracy in a beige business suit .