Suddenly, he pulled me around to face him, about to kiss me. I dodged and shot back, “Nathan handed me five percent of hispany’s stock. Do you honestly think I still need your cash?”


    The whole flirty vibe instantly iced over. Jared let go of me, and even in the darkness, I could see the shock written all over his face.


    “Why would he give you that much stock?” Jared’s voice was tight with anger, barely holding it together. “What is he really after?”


    I let out a coldugh. “He said I was his benefactor–he’s just grateful I helped him through two rough patches.”


    Jared’s breathing was ragged, his voice tight with frustration. “So he gave it to you, and you just epted it? Don’t you get it? By taking his money, you’re giving him every right to sleep with you.”


    “Jared, what right do you have to judge me?” I asked coldly.


    Jared suddenly fell silent, slumping against the wall. Even his usually perfect hair was a mess now.


    I walked over and switched the lights back on. Jared just stood there, looking totally defeated. “I forgot–you like money, but you’re not exactly short of it. There are plenty of people lining up to throw cash your way.”


    I didn’t even bother to answer him, my tone cold and t. “Just go.”


    Jared looked totally wrecked as he yanked the door open and left.


    Watching him practically run away, I couldn’t help but feel a little smug. In my previous life, I was the one slinking off in humiliation, while he unted his Nove with Tracy.


    The next morning, I was half–asleep when I felt something poking at my arm. I opened my eyes and saw Yvonne trying to snuggle up to me.


    “Mom… it’s really you! Dad wasn’t lying–you really came back!” Yvonne cheered, clinging to my arm, all excited.


    I reached out and cupped her little face, then pushed myself up to sit.


    Yvonne blinked at me. “Mom, it’s not the weekend. Howe you’re home too?”


    “I came back because of work,” I exined.


    “Oh, okay,” Yvonne replied.


    I checked the time and said, “Time to get up. I’ll take you downstairs for breakfast, and your dad wille pick you up for school.”


    Yvonne blinked at me, a little dazed. “Mom, you used to make breakfast for me yourself.”


    “I don’t have time for that now,” I said, gathering my long hair as i stood by the bed, my voice t.


    Yvonne looked a <b>bit </b>disappointed, but I didn’t really care.


    Thad to go to Nathan’spany today to sign a few agreements, so I <b>slipped </b>into a royal blue dress and braided my long hair inte a princess style. Sitting at my vanity, I looked vibrant and youthful as I carefully did my makeup.


    Yvonne got herself dressed, then propped her chin in her hand and watched me. “Mom, you look so pretty.”


    I smiled. “Really?<i>” </i>


    “Yeah, you’re getting more and more beautiful Dad’s falling for you all over <b>again</b>,” Yvonne said earnestly.


    “Jared’s really saying stuff like that to you?” I couldn’t believe he’d talk to Yvonne about this kind of thing.


    08:03 Sun, 31 Aug


    “Yeah! Dad said he’s going to work super hard and make tons of money so he can marry you again,” Yvonne chirped.


    I froze with my makeup brush in hand and looked at her.


    Yvonne snuggled up to my arm like a little kitten. “Mom, will you ever get back together with Dad?”


    “No, I won’t.” I didn’t want to lie to her or give her any false hope.


    Yvonne didn’t seem upset at all. She just grinned and asked, “So, are you going to marry Nathan or Ryan?”


    I was caught off guard. ‘Where did she get that idea?‘ I wondered.


    “What do you know about all this?” I asked, knowing she was always more mature than other kids her age.


    70%


    +33


    “I was eavesdropping on Dad and Grandma. Dad’s worried you might end up marrying either Nathan or Ryan, and Grandma totally tore into him, called him useless.” Yvonne snickered, showing off her gap–toothed grin.


    “Why are you always listening in on their conversations?” I frowned. “That’s not a good habit.”


    “But Mom, I’m just trying to protect you! I don’t want them talking bad about you,” Yvonne said, her little face all pouty.


    “Even if you’re trying to help, you can’t keep doing that. You’re still a kid–you should be focusing on your studies, not this kind of stuff.” I couldn’t help worrying; I hadn’t taught her any of this, but Sally would probably pin it all on me anyway, and there’d be no way to talk my way out of it.


    “Okay, but Mom, who are you really going to marry?” Yvonne tugged at my arm, refusing to let go. “Come on, just tell me,


    please?”


    B


    AD