NovelOnlineOn the next floor, two more people squeezed in, making the space even tighter. My back was pressed against
the wall, with Jared standing right in front
of me.
He was tall enough that when he lowered his head, his lips nearly brushed against my hair. | caught the faint
scent of cigarettes on him. He'd been smoking a lot more lately. Those few seconds felt agonizingly long..
Jared seemed to lean in deliberately, closing the already minimal distance between us.
Just as we were on the verge of touching, the elevator dinged open at the third-floor restaurant. Most of the
passengers were here for lunch, and with a rustle of movement, everyone spilled out.
| could hear Jared's breathing grow slightly uneven, but as soon as the crowd dispersed, whatever tension had
been between us evaporated. | turned and walked out without looking back, while Jared seemed to veer off
toward the restroom.
The private dining room, set for over a dozen guests, was impeccably arranged. By the twe arrived, the first
dishes were already being served.
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The conversation aroundcontinued, mostly centered on the hotel industry, until someone asked how many
children Jared and | had after so many years of marriage.
When | mentioned we only had one daughter, the glances exchanged around the table spoke volumes. Of
course, the Holcomb family would never settle for just one daughter. It was clear Jared would eventually remarry
to secure an heir.
Jared returned about ten minutes later, smelling faintly of smoke again. Without hesitation, he took the seat right
beside me.
Dinner proceeded with lively conversation. Midway through the meal, Jared's phone rang. When he answered, |
heard him say, “Mom,” before excusing
himself to step outside.
Sally must have been as frantic as an ant on a hot griddle, practically ready to force Jared's head into a w
Looking at the situation objectively, | analyzed Jared and Tracy's relationship. In my previous life, Tracy ha
without any official recognition, proof of her deep devotion.
bow with Tracy.
d by Jared's side for over twenty years
flow, in this life, | had given them the chance to do things properly: Jared could marry her, grant her the status
she deserved, and spare her the whispers and judgment they'd endured before. In a way, I'd done them a favor.
But fate had a habit of speeding in the opposite direction. Jared remained single, Tracy grew desperate, and
despite her efforts to bond with both Sally and Yvonne, Jared still hadn't given her the commitment she wanted.
Tracy must have been baffled. Why else would she have invitedfor coffee last time, wearing the lovesick
expression of a woman deep in denial?
Watching her after the pangs of unrequited love gavea twisted sense of satisfaction, Call is buman nature,
but no one truly wishes the ransants
Jared returned from his call, he said. “Testing’s sick To heading back to Hachester after dinner, Du you want to
cwith me?
“bing may be outing and her yox
Jer suffered, clearly displeased, trudn’t argue ever the new be within
Truthfully, i was puing tash just sind with anting together Radke
foot long after sered is packed up al my nie je bok fel (p) Back Her by the meshed via austriant, it was past mee
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08:50 Sat, 23 Aug Mti
Chapter 309
After sorting through work emails, | decided to grab a late dinner. But just as | was about to leave, Nathan called.
“I passed by your building and saw your lights on...” Amusement colored his voice. “You're back?”
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+23)
08:50 Sat, 23 Aug M
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