“She just mentioned it out of nowhere. Said you haven’t really been paying much attention to hertely, and that she wants to be the kind of daughter you’d be proud of,” Ryan said,


    smiling.


    I shook my head. “It’s not that I’m ignoring her, I just-”


    “No need to exin. I’m sure you have your reasons,” Ryan said, then carried the fruit out.


    I was honestly surprised at his words. Compared to Jared alwaysing on so strong, these new guys were way easier to deal with.


    I nced out at the balcony again. The two of them were still talking. I didn’t believe they were seriously just talking business out there.


    Maybe I was just making problems for myself, even worrying if Jared would get all worked up with two other men hanging around my apartment.


    Honestly, it wasughable. Jared pulled this exact stunt before. If anyone had gotten it, it


    was him.


    I was cooking in the kitchen when Nathan came in and said, “Want me to handle the stir- fry? I’m actually pretty decent with greens.”


    I nced at him in surprise. “Wait, you know how to cook?”


    Nathan nodded. “Yeah, I can whip up some home–style dishes, but I doubt I’m as good as


    you.”


    I happened to be working on a fish, <i>so </i>since he was offering, I figured I’d let him show off a


    bit. “Sure, these two dishes belong to you.”


    Nathan rolled up his sleeves, heated up the pan, and realized he was missing something for the veggies. He grabbed half a bulb of garlic, smashed it, chopped it up quickly, and tossed it right into the pan.


    I watched him move, and he did look like he knew his way around the kitchen.


    Once Nathan tossed the greens into the pan, the kitchen instantly came alive with the sound of sizzling oil. As I listened to the crackling, I happened to nce out toward the


    living room.


    ????68%


    Jared was sitting on the couch while Ryan was half–crouched by the coffee table. Both of them looked stunned, like they never expected Nathan to be the one behind the stove.


    With Nathan’s help, we got five dishes ready and set them out on the table. Yvonne dashed over with her Lego car and checked out the food. “Wow, Nathan is good at cooking!”


    Nathan smiled at her. “Your mom’s cooking is even better.”


    Yvonne stuck out her lip and said, “Of course! My mom’s been cooking at home for six years.”


    Jared cleared his throat, walked over, and said to Yvonne, “Go wash your hands and get ready to eat.”


    Ryan came over, too, and I set out the tes and forks. “Alright, everyone, dig in.”


    Nathan even tidied up the kitchen until it was spotless before washing his hands anding out. I handed him a bowl of soup, and he epted it.


    Jared didn’t miss a single detail. He saw the whole exchange, his eyes growing even darker.


    As I was reaching for some food, I noticed our wedding ring still on his left ring finger. The sight made my heart clench painfully. But I shook it off. There was no point in dwelling on the past.


    The table was quiet, everyone lost in their own thoughts.


    I couldn’t help but feel like the situation was suffocating. I made a mental note to myself. Never again would I let these three men be in the same room at the same time.


    The silence was killing me, so I finally broke it and asked Jared, “What were you two talking about out on the balcony?”


    Jared shot a nce at Nathan/and replied, “Just some work stuff. Mr. Hallman was pretty


    generous<b>, </b>cutting us a pretty good deal.”


    Nathan just smiled and said, “Honestly, these are our main products right now. We’re eager


    to get them out there, so it’s not really about giving you a discount.”


    08.3


    68%


    Ryan was sitting next to Yvonne, and when he saw she couldn’t quite reach the food, he just reached over and moved the dish closer to her.


    “Victoria, what are you doing after lunch?” Ryan asked.


    Trying to end the awkwardness, I said, “I’m heading to a yoga ss this afternoon. I’ve got a session with my instructor.”


    All three guys nced up at me, and Yvonne whispered, “Mom, can I go with you?”


    “No, I won’t have time to look after you. Stay with your dad,” I replied, turning her down.


    Yvonne’s face fell for a moment, but she just lowered her head and quietly ate her food.


    Finally, the meal was over, and I realized they’d barely touched the dishes I’d made.


    After finishing his meal, Nathan said, “Victoria, I’m heading out now. I’ll catch up with you


    I walked Nathan to the door, and his gaze was warm, almost lingering. Maybe it was


    because of that kissst night, and there was a hint of something between us.


    “Drive safe,” I said, then turned and headed back to the living room.


    Ryan got up and walked over. “I’m heading out, too. Don’t forget toe over tonight.”


    He was so enthusiastic about it, I couldn’t refuse. I nodded. “Alright, I’lle by early.”


    Ryan said goodbye to Yvonne and then left. Once everyone else had left, it was just Jared sitting there in the living room, and honestly, the awkward vibe was even heavier than


    before.