| totally shut Jared down. He couldn’t even get a word out. He just slumped over the steering wheel, sulking in
dead silence.
After a long, thoughtful pause, Jared finally spoke up, his voice steady and calm “Look, divorce isn’t something
we can just rush ito. We hand to gi down with both our families and talk it through. Plus, I'm running a public
company
“My personal life is under the microscope, and a stable marriage is crucial for the company’s image Victoria, can
we hold off on the divorce for now? if you feel like you're getting the short end of the stick, we can get a
notarized agreement
“I'll give you 4% of the company’s shares. That way, you'll officially be a shareholder and get a cut of the profits
every year.”
My mind started racing. Four percent of the shares was a fortune. Jared was actually offeringa piece of his
business just to keep the marriage going
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| couldn’t help but chuckle.” get that you need to keep your personal le clean for the company’s sake, but we
signed a prenup, remember? When we get divorced, that agreement will still be legally binding. I don’t think it'll
affect your business.”
“It's not that simple,” Jared said, his tone firm. “I'm a higher-up at the company. There shouldn't be any mess in
my personal life. Just givetwo more years. Once the company’s stable, | promise it agree to the divorce.”
| frowned at him.
Jared looked back at me, his gaze growing distant. “Once we're divorced, we'll be strangers for the rest of our
lives. Whatever happens to you after that is none of my business, right?”
| stared at him in surprise. He was actually thinking about what cafter | gave him a small smile. “I don’t
want to think about the future I only care about the present
Jared's eyes grew dim. He quietly steered us back onto the main road and said, “Just givesix months. |
promise give you a proper answer.
er than two years.
Six months was not so long. At least it was way better
“I'll handle the stock transfer. You'll get the shares from me. Think of it as compensation for all these years,”
Jared said, slipping back into his usual calm.
“So, I'll actually be a shareholder?” | couldn’t help but be surprised. For once, Jared was actually showing some
heart
“Yeah. Once you have the shares, you can cto the shareholder meetings. At least then, | have a reason to
see you,” Jared said, giving a self- mocking smile.
“Are your family okay with you givingthe shares?” | asked. | wasn’t really worried about Jared changing his
mind, but honestly, just the thought of his family flipping out over the divorce and splitting the shares was
enough to givea headache.
“This is my decision, | don’t need anyone’s approval,” Jared said, his voice low and firm.
“Alright, then,” | said, Six months-I could handle that.
Jared looked like he finally let out a breath he'd been Holding. He droppedoff at my destination and then
pulled away.
Harmonia Hotel was all spruced up, The exterior was almost finished, and the front looked brand new. If Jared
were handingthose shares, figured he'd keeprunning the hotel too. So, chances were, we'd still cross
paths at work...
| honestly had no clue how those people in managed to cut ties and get divorced like it was nothing. For
me, breaking free from Jared was way harder than it sounded.
Our relationship and careers were all tangled up together. If | ever tried to break free, I'd probably be totally lost,
not
wing what to do.
Guess I'd just get to work. No way I'd say no to money. Even after the divorce, I'd still be working for Jared. And if
wanted to date someone new, it was not like he'd dare butt in