NovelOnlinefter she finished reading, she asked, “Mom, did | read okay? | can study on my own now. Grandma signedup
for a lot of classes, painting, violin, and drumming too.”
“OK. If you want to study, go for it. If not, don’t force it. Your health comes first,” | said, still
looking at my computer.
Right then, Yvonne mumbled, “Daddy’s not back yet. He's been coming hlate a lot lately. Mom, | gotta tell
you a secret. The other night, Daddy cried for a long time, leaning
over his desk in the study.”
| was stunned for a moment. It felt weird that Jared would cry. | thought it was just another emotional trick
between them, trying to get my sympathy and pity.
“Really? Well, next the cries, give him a tissue and comfort him. Tell him grown-ups crying is just being
childish,” I said, cold and flat.
Yvonne was shocked. She stared at the screen for a long moment, and then looked away.
“Mom, don’t you feel sorry for Daddy anymore?”
“He’s a grown man. Why should | pity him?” | smirked a little.
Yvonne sighed. “Mom, you've changed a lot. But you've ca long way, too. You're working now, and you
dress nicely every day. You even smell good, not like before when you always smelled like cooking grease.”
Hearing her, | asked softly, “So, do you like the ‘me’ now or the ‘me’ back then?”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
“The ‘you’ now,” she said after thinking for a moment. “You don’t play withanymore, .but at least you don’t
nag like before. You used to nagnonstop, like a broken record. |
was so annoyed.”
My heart tightened. That old saying, out of sight, out of mind, was true, even for kids. “Alright, then | won't
bother you anymore. You take care of yourself and handle your stuff,” |
told her.
Yvonne pouted a little. “Okay, I'll take care of myself. Goodnight, Mom. I'm gonna sleep now.” | hung up.
1/3
08:39 Fri, 22 Aug
Chapter 285
66%
The next day, both hotels were packed with big weddings. The whole place was buzzing, and everyone was
running around nonstop.
Around 3 PM, the rush slowed down. | sat in my office, taking a break. Suddenly, Jared's
driver, Warner, called me. “Mrs. Holcomb, Mr. Holcomb got drunk at lunch. He wants to rest
at the hotel. Can you set up a room for him?”
| arranged a big reserved suite. When Jared showed up, | was by the elevator talking to someone. He was drunk,
stumbling as he walked.
Warner helped steady him and said, “Mrs. Holcomb, can you helpout? | gotta grab some
stuff from the car.”
Before | could answer, Warner pushed Jared toward me. Whether Jared was truly drunk or
faking it, he collapsed on me.
A bunch of bystanders nearby watched with smirks and knowing looks. | helped Jared into the elevator. He rested
his head on me. | supported him as he closed his eyes and stayed
silent.
When the elevator stopped, | tapped his face a few times. Jared slowly cto. “Victoria, what are you doing
here?” He looked surprised.
| helped him to the door, opened it, and sat him on the couch. He collapsed completely, stretching his arm
across his forehead, like he was drunk and out of it.
Warner hurried over with swork papers. Seeingabout to leave, he stopped me.
“Mrs. Holcomb, can | say something?”
| turned to him. “What's up?”
Warner wiped sweat from his forehead, clearly worried. He glanced at Jared on the couch.
“Since you and Mr. Holcomb divorced, his mood hasn't been great.”
| was quiet for a moment and then smiled lightly. “It’s a process. Once he gets through it, he'll be okay.”
Warner sighed and shook his head. “I thought he was fine too, but lately he’s been drinking
way too much. He never used to be like this.
“I know Mr. Holcomb well. Even when he seems fine on the outside, he’s often got a lot on
2/3
Chapter 189
his mind.”
“Warner, you're a great employee. Jared's lucky to have you.” | knew Warner had worked with Jared for years and
cared about him deeply.
“Mrs. Holcomb, | know you still love him. Doesn't it hurt to see him like this?” Warner said,
almost desperate.
He continued, “Every day after work, he makesplay the song you used to love, over and over again. Mrs.
Holcomb, you should know Mr. Holcomb just can’t let you go.”
3/3
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
