Chapter <i>54 </i>


    The tension lingered. As Nathan kept looking my way, I wondered if I had gone too far. I didn’t n to keep up with him, but I still teased him carelessly. That was irresponsible.


    “Mr. Hallman, I’ve got work to do. Could you leave?” I asked.


    “I can give you some advice,” Nathan said, looking sad but staying.


    “No, I can handle it.” Nathan and I weren’t even friends; it was better not to ask for help.


    “Victoria, when are you getting a divorce?” Seeing my cold attitude, Nathan suddenly asked a personal question.


    I was startled, rememberingst night’s argument with Jared. A divorce might happen soon. “Why are you asking? It’s not polite to pry,” I said sternly.


    “Sorry, I just care about you,” Nathan said, his eyes warm as he looked at me.


    “Even after divorce, I don’t n to date soon. Don’t waste your time, Mr. Hallman,” I said calmly.


    “It’s fine. We’ve got time,” Nathan replied, a knowing smile in his eyes, like he was hoping for something.


    I looked at him, puzzled. “Have you liked me for a while?”


    My blunt question made Nathan’s ears turn red, and he looked flustered. “Yes, it’s been a long time.”


    “Sorry, I can’t return your feelings,” I said, leaning back in my chair, my face cold. “This marriage has used up all my passion.”


    Nathan stared at me nkly; my rejection was clear, and he seemed hurt. “I won’t cause you much trouble; I just want to see you more often,” Nathan said humbly.


    I stared at him, quiet but seething with resentment inside.


    I never really got men. When Jared married me, he vowed to love me forever and grow old by my side. But the truth was that promises were just lies to trick women.


    I was not naive anymore; my next romance would be all about what was in it for me.


    Nathan was clearly a newbie in love, pure and hopeful. I couldn’t bear to crush his dreams. That was why I turned him down so harshly.


    “You’re on your first marriage; I’m on my second. We’re not a match. Go hang out with other women,” I suggested gently.


    Nathan dropped his gaze, deep in thought. Soon, he got up and said, “I’ll take you out to dinner another time. If you need anything, just call me.”


    I watched him curiously; he hadn’t really answered my question yet.


    Nathan turned and left without pestering me too much, but I had a hunch he wouldn’t give up so easily.


    *****


    At noon, Yvonne called me. She said that she was getting out of the hospital and wanted me to pick her up with a gift.


    Thinking about the fight with Jared yesterday, I could go pick her up, but I didn’t want to see Jared. Since we were getting a 1/2


    divorce, seeing <b>each </b>other might just make things <b>worse</b>.


    1 quickly grabbed a gift and headed to the hospital. Sally <b>was </b>there too, with some yummy snacks and cool toys.


    Yvonne was lounging on the couch, legs propped up on the armrest<b>, </b>ying a video game. Sheined, “Grandma, hurry up! I can’t stand being here; it stinks.”


    Sally had packed her stuff. When she saw me walk in, she asked right away, “Victoria, what are you doing here<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    “I’m <b>here </b>to take Yvonne home,” <b>I </b>said.


    Yvonne nced at me and mumbled, “Back home, I’ll be all alone. Mom, can you hang out with me at home this afternoon?”


    Hearing that, Sally scolded me, “Victoria, skip work. Taking care of home is what matters most. Yvonne <b>is </b>little; she needs someone with her.”