I looked at the man I once loved so deeply, his face burned into my memory, haunting me through two lifetimes.


    Who would’ve thought Jared would actually humble himself, asking for my love?


    Live long enough, and you’ll see all kinds of crazy things.


    Seeing me stay silent, Jared’s brows drew together, a hint of desperation in his eyes. “Victoria, just don’t y me like I’m some stray, okay? Whatever you say goes–I’ll go along with anything you want.”


    I arched an eyebrow as Jared suddenly bent down in front of my sofa, the warm light overhead bathing his face, making him look soft and captivating.


    He reached out, gently taking my fingers and guiding them to trace the lines of his striking face. “Can you see if you can feel something for me again?”


    My hand brushed his face without feeling, then I pulled away, curling my fingers inward. “Jared, I’m not some saint. If you’re trying to win me over with money, honestly, I might just say yes.”


    “So, can I stay tonight?” Jared asked, his eyes glinting with a teasing smile.


    I bit my lip and gave him a cool look. “I’m not in the mood right now. Give me some time to think about it.”


    “You’re not still tangled up with Nathan, are you?” Jared said, a hint of irritation in his voice. He clearly thought I was just giving Nathan more time.


    My tone was t. “You said I get to call the shots, so why are you going back on your word now?”


    Jared froze. “I’m not, but I don’t like it when you’re with me and your mind’s still on someone else.”


    “You talk about changing, but you’re still the same,” I snapped, shoving him aside. I walked over to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of cold water, and twisted the cap open.


    I really needed to clear my head. Jared was throwing so much at me, I was scared I’d lose myself and fall right back into his mess.


    Money cuts both ways–it can be heaven or hell. If you don’t have the wisdom to handle it, a windfall can be a disaster, way more than you’re ready for.


    So what’s the point of having all that money? Jared’s dangerous–I know him too well. He’s only making peace for now, but the second he gets the upper hand, whether it’s in love or business, I’ll end up just like I did in my previous life.


    I don’t want to self–destruct chasing after my own ambition and desire.


    “Victoria, I just… I just want your heart to be <b>mine</b>, even if it’s only for now,” Jared said, his voice low and wistful as he leaned against the wall, watching me in silence.


    I felt my mind clear as the cold water hit me.


    I heard myself say, surprisingly calm, “Sorry, I’m done thinking about it.”


    Jared looked like he’d just been yed his face shifting from pale to flushed, caught between embarrassment and irritation. “Why? I thought you were all about the money?<i>” </i>


    “Sure, I want money, but I y fair,” I said with a sly smile. “And let’s be real–back when I was younger, I didn’t get it, but beauty is a top tier asset. After everything I’ve been through, I know this face can open plenty of doors for me.”


    Jared’s breath grew heavier, his eyes flickering with surprise–like he was seeing a whole new side of me, finally realizing I knew exactly what I was worth.


    I lowered my gaze, my voice soft. “Oh, I seem to remember that not long after we got married, you said you didn’t like me showing myself in public. Was it because you were afraid someone else might start wanting me?”


    Jared stayed silent.


    “I remember once, you took me to a business dinner, and some middle–aged guy grabbed my hand. You dragged me straight to the bathroom and scrubbed my hand raw, like you wanted to erase his touch.” The memory just came back to me as I spoke.


    I


    “Jared, have you ever wanted to keep me like a bird in a cage?” I asked, locking eyes with him, my tone serious and unwavering,


    Jared stayed silent for a long moment, his eyes flickering with something new–like he was seeing me wake up, realizing I was bing someone he couldn’t control anymore.


    “Victoria, did you ever think about it? A beautiful bird is safest when she’s kept in a cage. The moment she’s set free, the world out there is full of danger,” Jared said, his voice low and somber.