The Housewife's Return To Her Alluring Prime - Chapter 53: Chapter 53

I replied casually, "Yeah, I've made peace with the world and let go of many things."
Jared frowned slightly. "What brought on this sudden enlightenment? Didn't you mention attending some spiritual course last time? Did you go?"
I had forgotten all about that. However, since Jared brought it up, I recalled a time when I felt deeply troubled and stuck.
A few society ladies had introduced me to these supposed mental wellness courses, claiming they helped overcome inner conflicts. I had even signed up.
"I didn't go. Those courses are just money traps," I said calmly.
For some reason, Jared found this amusing and chuckled. "So you knew they were scams? I thought you'd need to be conned at least three times before waking up."
"My brain isn't that slow. I'd rather invest in gold with that money," I scoffed lightly.
"You like gold?" Jared raised an eyebrow.
"Who doesn't?" I thought his question was rather redundant.
Seeing that I wasn't in the mood for a conversation, Jared didn't push further. We arrived back at the villa late at night.
As I headed downstairs, Jared asked, "Is your... time over?"
I immediately understood his insinuation and thought, 'What's up? Tracy didn't satisfy him enough, so he's back home seeking more?'
"No," I replied before heading to my room.
Jared didn't bother me after that. The next morning at the breakfast table, he suddenly reached over and touched my ring finger. "Is this a new ring you bought? It doesn't look that nice."
I had bought it cheaply from a second-hand market, so of course it couldn't compare with new ones. "I like the antique style." I fibbed.
Jared didn't say anything more after that.
During my lunch break at work, I received a text message from Nathan. He was abroad and sent me a scenic photo, with himself absent from the frame.
I glanced at it and replied: [Beautiful.]
Nathan replied: [It's even more stunning here in winter when it's covered in snow.]
My heart fluttered at the thought. People said sharing was a silent confession, and Nathan seemed to get that. [I'd love to see it sometime.] I texted back.
He simply responded with a "sure", and knowing not to overdo it, he didn't send anything else.
In the afternoon, after wrapping up most of my tasks, I noticed I was added to a new group chat on WhatsApp.
Sally had added me to the chat, mentioning she would pick up Yvonne that afternoon so we could focus on work without worry.
I saw Jared, Quinn, and James being added one after another. Sally then renamed the group.
Sally mentioned that any announcements about picking up the kids would be made in this group. I replied with "Got it." Jared chimed in with a simple "Okay," and Quinn immediately sent a voice note complaining about her busy startup schedule. James remained silent.
With nobody needing me to pick up Yvonne, I headed to my old dance studio to practice. I had some background in dance, and after plenty of practice in my previous life, I had developed a good sense of rhythm.
As soon as I walked in, the dance teacher waved me over. "Come on, let's film a bit. You did great last time."
Dancing was my ultimate relaxation. However, not wanting to be recognized, I went downstairs to buy a mask and borrowed a baseball cap from a classmate.
Dressed in white shorts and a light crop top that showed off my waist, with my long hair flowing freely, I joined my stylish female teacher for a hot dance routine.
Initially, I was dancing for the students present, but someone nearby was recording the session. Completely absorbed in the dance, I didn't notice. Someone approached me to ask if I was the invited instructor because my moves were so expressive.
The dance teacher gave me an appreciative look. "Interested in teaching here? The girls seem to really like you, and you have a strong sense of rhythm."
I shook my head. "I'm just here to relax. I don't have time to teach."
"These girls are aiming for entertainment careers; money isn't a concern for them," the dance teacher added.
I was momentarily surprised, realizing they might have misunderstood my situation. When I signed up for the class, I hadn't mentioned my background, so they probably assumed I might need the job.
"I have other work to do and a child at home," I declined politely.
I danced until after six, then went home, showered, and began studying Englysian.
Thinking about Jared and Tracy's heartfelt duet last time, I vowed to learn Englysian well. I thought, 'One day, I'll pull a handsome guy and sing a romantic song in Englysian right in front of Jared—as a form of poetic justice.'
Jared didn't return home tonight, which didn't surprise me. I thought, 'With Yvonne not here, there's no one he cares enough about at home.'
For three consecutive nights, it seemed Jared spent them elsewhere. I mused, 'So his claim of having no involvement with Tracy was just him treating me like a fool.'
Men who were wealthy, attractive, and had abundant resources were always hunters. If it wasn't Tracy, there would be someone else. Since Jared was a hunter, he would never stop chasing his prey for the thrill of it.
And I had decided to join the game as a hunter, too. But first, I wanted a divorce—to be single and hunt honorably. Right now, my top priority was ending this marriage.
I thought, 'Tracy is really letting me down.' In my previous life, she was already pregnant at this time and had an abortion to win Jared's affection and sympathy.
Jared slapped a divorce agreement in my face when I least expected it. Now, I had been waiting for that agreement, and my patience was wearing thin.
I called my private detective again to check on the progress. The detective grumbled that he hadn't captured anything sensational yet.
Suddenly, a bold idea popped into my head. I offered an extra 15 thousand dollars to have them tail Jared for any juicy details.
He might be shifting his affections; if they couldn't catch him with Tracy, maybe they should catch him with someone else. I just needed evidence.
The detective eagerly thanked me, promising to get the job done.
As for the divorce settlement, I definitely planned to fight for my share. I wasn't noble enough to leave with nothing. After experiencing the perks of wealth and power, I knew I couldn't completely let go.
Beautiful women were often a product of wealth—discipline could maintain their figure, but money let them stand tall and proud. Money was my backbone, supporting me through all adversities.
Jared had worked hard over the years, but I ran this household; even if it didn't earn me merit, it certainly came with its own struggles. I wanted everything I deserved.
As night fell, a sudden rainstorm hit. I stepped out of the temporary office at Harmonia Hotel without an umbrella, but my car was parked far away.
All my colleagues had left already; I was the last to leave. I decided to wait until the rain died down before making a dash.
The rain lightened up, and I lifted my skirt, ready to run. Just then, a silver Bentley stopped in front of me, and Jared got out holding a black umbrella. "Let me drive you home," he offered.
I wasn't expecting him to show up and immediately reached for his umbrella. "Can I borrow this? I'll return it later." With that, I took his umbrella and headed toward my car.
Jared's expression was slightly stiff as he got back into his car. Moments later, the silver Bentley disappeared into the rain.
When I got home, Jared had given the two maids the night off, leaving dinner for me to make.
Just as I was about to refuse, Jared said, "If you don't want any trouble, just cook some noodles. It's been a long time since I had your cooking."
I thought, 'Jared often gives the maids time off—what a considerate employer.'
I went into the kitchen and cracked three eggs, mixing them. Suddenly, Jared's body pressed against me from behind, and he kissed the back of my neck. "Or we could eat later?" he suggested.
I turned my head to look at him, and Jared leaned in to kiss me. I immediately pushed him away.
Jared's eyes darkened. The next moment, he ignored my struggles, picked me up, and carried me to the sofa.
"Are you crazy? Here?" I was both angry and annoyed.
Jared suddenly opened a nearby box, revealing a neatly arranged stack of gleaming gold bars.
Seeing my stunned expression, Jared leaned down and kissed the corner of my lips. "Is it okay now?" he asked.