<b>Chapter </b><b>351 </b>


    Standing in front of this devoted man, I felt momentarily at a loss. I couldn’t ept his love.


    Nathan seemed to see right through me. He let out a softugh, trying to sound casual. “Sorry, I don’t want to put any pressure on you. Actually, love has a deeper meaning–sometimes it’s about helping the other person find happiness.”


    I blinked, caught off guard.


    Nathan sighed softly. “I won’t ask too much of you. Honestly, I’m already content with how things are between us.”


    “Thank you for understanding,” I said, genuinely grateful. I really didn’t want any pressure from a rtionship right now.


    So maybe love doesn’t have to be all–consuming–just enough to keep thingsfortable, leaving room to breathe and not tying anyone down.


    The trip to Shaville was set, and I dove headfirst into work. I was brainstorming ideas nonstop and running from one meeting to the next, but my job really fired me up. I had way more energy than I ever did in my previous life.


    Work kept me fulfilled and too busy to get lost in my own thoughts. My Englysian got way better just from talking with people all the time, and honesty, that made me pretty proud.


    Before I knew it, September rolled around, and Yvonne was starting first grade.


    She was enrolled in one of Hachester’s top international schools, and Jared had made sure every detail was taken care of for her.


    The day before Yvonne’s first day, I made my way back to Hachester.


    She’d already picked out all her school supplies and couldn’t wait to show them off to me, grinning from ear to ear.


    It was obvious she was excited about her new school and meeting new friends. Yvonne was definitely ahead of most kids her age–more mature, and way more gutsy. During the entrance exam, she confidently introduced herself in Englysian, totally unfazed.


    She even performed a piano piece and showed off a dance routine.


    Watching those videos, I was struck by how much she’d learned in what felt like the blink of an eye while I was away.


    Jared had been really busytely, and I had no idea if Amy had made any progress with him. I’d only seen him once in a video meeting during this whole


    time.


    Since Yvonne was about to start school, Jared called and asked me to have dinner with him.


    “For Yvonne’s sake, please don’t turn me down, okay?” Jared’s tone was much gentler than before.


    With that, I nodded.


    Jared had picked out a nice restaurant, and when I arrived with Yvonne, he was already waiting for us in a private room.


    “Your mom and Quinn aren’ting?” I asked, thinking when he said family dinner, he meant everyone would be here.


    “It’s just the three of us,” Jared replied.


    Yvonne chimed in, “Mom, Dad didn’t invite Grandma and Aunt Quinn since they don’t really get along with you.”


    I stared at Jared, a little stunned.


    Jared exined in a calm voice, “I just wanted to have a nice dinner with you and Yvonne. If they came, it’d turn into a battlefield<b>. </b>Even if <b>you </b><b>didn’t </b>argue, they’d still find a way to say something out of line.”


    <b>1/2 </b>


    <b>07:48 </b><b>Sun</b><b>, </b>24 <b>Aug </b>M


    I smiled. “So you’ve finally learned how to handle things between me and your family.”


    Jared gave a wry smile. “Guess my family was part of the reason you wanted the divorce, huh?”


    I didn’t deny it he was right.


    Wonne was all smiles, digging into her food and sneaking cheerful nces at Jared and me as she ate.


    My phone buzzed–it was Nathan calling.


    He knew I was back in Hachester and seemed a bit eager to


    see me.


    He’d only managed toe to Shaville oncetely, then had to rush back to Hachester for meetings. We hadn’t seen each other in days, and it was clear he really wanted to meet up.


    I picked up the phone and stepped outside to take the call.