<b>Chapter </b><b>61 </b>


    Tracy looked shy and lowered her head while sipping on her gruel. ‘<b>Since </b>I’ve already set the mood for them, I figure it is time for me to make my exit quietly, I thought.


    I picked up my purse and said, “Honey, I’m heading to work.” Jared suddenly followed me into the garage. His deep, thoughtful eyes scanned me from head to toe.


    I was wearing slightly red jeans and a lightweight rose–gold blouse. In the past, I used to pile on expensive jewelry, hoping to cover up emotional emptiness with material things.


    But now, I just wore a delicate chain around my neck and a pair of pink pearl earrings. Simple, but still very feminine. “Drive safe,” Jared said. He didn’tment on how I looked. Instead, he showed a bit of concern.


    I answered calmly and then stepped on the gas and took off. Jared would be away on a business trip for about four days. I tried calling Yvonne, but she ignored all my calls. She was giving me the silent treatment.


    Then Sally called me to lecture me. She told me I was a lousy mom for breaking my daughter’s heart. She said I should back off for now and that she’d handle things.


    I always thought Yvonne’s rebellious stage would hit when she was around thirteen or fourteen. Back then in my previous life, she had mepletely under her thumb.


    But now she was only six and already knew how to rally everyone around her to push me out. It was fine for me. I could finally enjoy some peace.


    That night, I met up with Melissa for dinner. She showed up in a rush, arms full of paperwork. She was a serious career


    woman.


    Melissa was ambitious. In her previous life, she’d been married three times and divorced three times. In the end, she managed to build up some wealth.


    She had three kids from different dads. She was strong, her kids respected her, and honestly, her life turned out way better than mine.


    Thinking about everything she’d been through made me feel protective of her. “Order anything you want,” I said, handing her the menu. But she stayed polite.


    “It’s just the two of us. Let’s not go overboard,” she said, and then ordered three dishes and a soup.


    She pushed up her sses and looked straight at me. “Victoria, you’ve changedtely. Got someone new?”


    I <b>was </b>caught off guard. I tucked my hair behind my ear and smiled. “What do you mean by ‘changed“?”


    “You’ve slimmed down. Your style’s different. When we went to the movies, I could tell you were glowing. Super feminine. And today, you look stunning. Not just guys. Girls can’t stop staring either.” Melissa might’ve been dramatic, but she wasn’t wrong.


    <b>I </b>casually sipped my coffee. “I just came to a realization. Flowers don’t bloom forever. Youth fades. If I don’t enjoy dressing up while <b>I </b>still can, I won’t get another shot when I’m older and worn out.”


    “That makes sense, but what happened to that whole thing you used to say? You used to talk about being a proper wife. You even said Mr. Hob liked ssy, elegant women, and that your outfits had to reflect that,” Melissa teased.


    I just smiled and shrugged. “That was then. Things are different now.”


    “So, you’re crushing <b>on </b><b>someone</b>. Come on, spill. Is it Nathan?” Melissa asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    Iughed. “What’s this <b>got </b>to do with him? Maybe I just grew up. Why does it always have to be about a man?”


    “Girl, we’ve known each other for years. I know how you are. I remember you were at your most radiant when Jared was chasing you, before you guys got married.” Melissa gave me that “I’m not buying it” look.