I really didn’t want to cry, I knew tears wouldn’t do any good right now. If anything, they’d just make him think I waspromising or beggine sympathy


    I tried my best to hold back the tears, but I just couldn’t. I could only turn my back to him, refusing to look at his surprised expression.


    He didn’t say a word, but his handsome face had gone noticeably pale,


    1 took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “When we divorce, I won’t insist on getting anything from you. You can have the child I won’t fight for custody.”


    With that, I grabbed my bag and strode out, not giving Jared a chance to say a word.


    Leaning against the elevator wall, I was anything but calm. I wiped away the tears at the corners of my eyes with my fingertips


    The mirrored elevator doors showed me someone new–not that <b>fragile </b>wallflower who waited around for a man’s love, but a <b>badass </b>female warrior picking up her armor and getting ready to take on the world.


    This was me after time travel, determined to shove myself out of myfort zone and fight for my future, relying on no one <b>but </b>myself.


    Thad no idea what Jared was thinking, but knowing him, he was always decisive. Now that i’d said everything I needed to, I figured he’d eventually swing the de and end this toxic bond, letting us both finally breathe free


    That night,


    I went to stay at a


    an apartment I’d bought <b>a </b>while back,


    For the first time, I <b>didn’t </b>go back to that house. The apartment was pretty spacious with two floors, elegant and refined.


    I’d drop by asionally to tidy up. It might not have that lived–in warmth, but it <b>was </b><b>quiet</b>, perfect for recharging and getting my head straight on my


    own.


    Jared didn’t call again, but Yvonne kept texting me, asking where I was, if I’d run into any bad people, and if anyone had hurt me.


    Seeing my daughter’s sudden concern made my eyes sting, but in the end, I forced myself to turn off my phone.


    Maybe i was asking too much from a six–year–old. I wanted her to put herself in my shoes, to get what it’s like for me as her mom.


    <b>She </b><b>was </b>finally starting to show some maturity, even worrying <b>about </b>me<b>, </b><b>but </b>honestly, my heart was already shut off.


    <b>I </b>just didn’t want her to grow up with the memory of me as someone weak, insecure<b>, </b>and always second–guessing everything


    it Jared raised her, maybe she’d turn out strong <b>and </b>independent<b>, </b>instead of the reckless troublemaker she used to be before.


    That night, I turned it over and over in my mind, and in the end, I made up my mind to get a divorce.


    <b>Jared </b>was a good man, but he just wasn’t the one for me anymore.


    I never needed everything to be perfect, but I knew exactly what kind of life would bring me real happiness


    let myself bezy all day.


    On the third day. I went to the office to hand in my resignation. Even though I’d put so much of myself into the Harmonia Hotel, it never truly belonged to


    When I finally arrived at the office, it was already past ten. I was just about to write my resignation letter when thendline rangi was Jared.


    “Did you get some rest? His voice was as gentle as ever.


    I frowned. “Are you in the office right now? I have a form I need you to sign.”


    Jared said, “I already signed off on your ticket to Fnsia for tomorrow?”


    I tensed up at <b>his </b>words. “I’m not going tomorrow. I’m resigning today”


    Jared v


    was silent for a moment before finally saying “The Harmonia Hotel will be fully renovated in just two months. Are you really going to wal now, when we’re so close to finishing?”


    Honestly, I didn’t want to leave things unfinished, but things havee to this, it was not really my choice anymore.


    “You can always find someone even better than me to run things, offered.


    “Victoria, I know you’re not in a great ce right now, but business is business. You can ignore me if you want, but when ites to work, Ineed you to stay focused.


    “I put Harmonia Hotel in your hands, and I don’t have anyone better for the job. And there are some terms I haven’t told you yet.


    “If you manage both hotels from now on, I’ll bump <b>up </b>your sry to at least 1 million dors a year, plus half the profits. It’s all written into your contract. Think it over.” Jared finished and hung up.


    ?