RedNovelChapter 58
But the real tragedy wasn’t the weight I'd lost. It was the equal standing I'd surrendered.
The elevator dinged. Jared strode out but paused long enough to toss over his shoulder, “Wait in the car. | need a
smoke.”
“Didn’t you drive?” | asked.
“No.” He didn’t elaborate, just walked off toward the designated smoking area.
Jared rarely smokes. Only when something was eating at him. So why now? He just spent the evening crooning
love songs with his mistress. Shouldn't he be floating on cloud nine? Unless my presence ruined the fantasy,
reminded him how cheap the whole thing really was.
I smirked and slid into the car. Let him stew.
A few minutes later, Jared appeared, his tall frcutting an imposing figure under the parking lot lights. He
yanked open the passenger door and dropped into the seat like a man settling into a courtroom bench-all stiff
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtposture and silent authority.
Lately, he'd been riding shotgun in my car more often. But in the past, it never would've happened.
| turned the key in the ignition and couldn't resist needling him. “You know, we really shouldn't be in the same
car anymore. Safety hazard.”
Jared shota look that could freeze lava. “Just drive.”
| sighed tically, “Even if | focus, sidiot could still T-bone us. Rich couples are supposed to travel
separately-eggs in different baskets and all that.”
“Victoria.” His voice went icy. “Shut up and drive.”
Honestly, | was just trying to make it clear he shouldn't ride withanymore. The less ttrapped in this
metal box with him, the better.
We arrived hwell past midnight to an unusually quiet house. Sally had kept Yvonne overnight-probably guilt
over the kid getting sick on her watch. With both Jared andworking now, Sally seemed determined to
overcompensate.
After showering, | wore my nightgown and stood in front of the full-length mirror, studying my reflection.
Months of clean eating, dance classes, and yoga had sculptedinto better shape than I'd been in years. But
this recent cold had whittled away those last few stubborn pounds, leavinglooking almost fragile.
As | turned to apply my nighttserum, I nearly dropped the bottle. Jared sat motionless on the edge of my
bed. When had he slipped in? He moved like a ghost these days-first invading my passenger seat, and now my
bedroom.
“Honey, I'm sick,” | announced preemptively, layering my voice with exaggerated weakness.
His eyes flicked up. “I know.” That deep voice carried its usual finality. “I’m not here for that.”
The declaration hung between us. Then why was he here? Just to share a bed? This from the man who'd once
insisted he couldn't sleep with another person’s breathing disturbing him. At this point, | didn’t know which
version of Jared to believe.
| finished my routine in silence, slid under the covers, and willed myself to sleep.
1/2
Chapter 58
Jared's hand shot out, pressing against my forehead without warning.
0d -
| stiffened, meeting his gaze. “What's wrong?”
“Checking for a fever,” he said tersely, like I'd inconvenienced him.
“I've had meds for two days. No fever,” | countered immediately.
“Then why the hell were you clapping like that tonight?” His voice was sharp, irritation flashing across his face. “I
thought you were delirious or something. What's your excuse?”
Showtime. | put on my most earnest expression. “Because you were amazing, darling. | never realized how good
your voice was before.”
Jared studiedfor a long moment, his eyes searching. Then, voice dropping low, he asked, “Tracy and | sang a
love song. Doesn't that bother you?”
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