The Housewife's Return To Her Alluring Prime - Chapter 55: Chapter 55
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Melissa noticed me staring downstairs and leaned over. "Mr. Holcomb? Who's that bitch with him? And what is she doing?"
"She's fixing his tie," I said.
Tracy had just straightened Jared's collar, then moved on to adjust his tie. The two of them shared a smile before walking through the door together.
Melissa's eyes went wide in disbelief, then her gaze turned sympathetic as she looked at me. "Victoria, does it hurt?" she asked, reaching out to hug me.
I felt like I was frozen in place, unable to move for a long moment. Then I managed a smile. "No, I'm not surprised at all."
Melissa immediately gasped, "They're together? Victoria, is Jared cheating on you?"
I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip of it, saying quietly, "I don't know. I haven't seen any solid proof of him cheating yet, but judging by how flirty they were just now, they might really be together."
"Victoria, I used to envy you not long ago, but now— I don't even know what to say," Melissa said, looking at me with sympathy. "So, are you planning to just put up with this?
"Turn a blind eye and let them do whatever they want?"
"No, I'm going to get a divorce," I said, lowering my eyes, my voice firm. "Once I have the evidence, I'll file for divorce, take what's rightfully mine, and live my single life."
As a woman, Melissa understood just how awful it felt when one's husband cheated. She nodded. "Okay, I support you. But what about your daughter? Can you really get a divorce and give her up?"
Thinking about Yvonne's thoughts, I glanced out the window and gave a faint smile. "Melissa, to be honest, Yvonne actually likes the woman by his side."
"What?" Melissa was shocked again. "Why isn't she on your side? She should be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you against all this."
"I used to think so too," I said with a bitter smile. "But you never really know what's in someone's heart. Sometimes, even your child might not truly stand with you."
"Victoria, you've changed so much lately. It's no wonder, with everything that's happened," Melissa sighed, her voice full of sympathy. "Your daughter is a part of you. How are you supposed to handle all these blows?"
"I'll just go with the flow," I said. I wasn't going to force anything anymore. I was ready to accept whatever came my way. "Time heals all wounds. Someday, the pain in my heart will fade away."
Melissa looked at me blankly for a long time, then let out a soft laugh. "Victoria, do you ever regret marrying him and having a child?"
Her question stunned me. I opened my mouth, but I just couldn't find the words to answer.
"No step in life is ever wasted," I finally said with a smile. "I married Jared, and the youth I spent was his youth too.
"There's really nothing to regret. He gave me the comfortable life I have now. It was just a fair trade, you know."
Melissa looked completely stunned. She probably felt like I was a stranger to her now.
After all, not long ago, I was desperately trying to hold on to Jared, playing the part of a dutiful maid, braving the elements every day to pick up and drop off Yvonne.
For me to suddenly come to my senses like this must have been pretty shocking.
Melissa reached out to touch my forehead, then took my hand, pushed up my sleeve, and saw the mole on my wrist. "Victoria, how did you suddenly get so wise and clear-headed? I feel like I barely know you anymore."
I knew I'd changed so much that it might be a shock to my closest friend. But I couldn't help it. Life kept pushing me forward, and all I could do was toughen up and build my inner strength.
I said softly, "Alright, Melissa, let's not talk about Jared for now. Let's talk about ourselves. Whether it's clothes, bags, stuff around the house, or even the TV shows and idols we used to love, don't we all get tired of them after a while?
"I think it's just human nature to get tired of things and start wanting something new. Forever is just something people wish for. So, I don't want to keep tearing myself up inside anymore."
Melissa finally seemed convinced that I'd really grown. She gave me a firm pat on the back. "Alright, things will only get better from here.
"You're changing at just the right time. Once you make a name for yourself, you won't have to depend on anyone else or ask a man for money. There's a real future to look forward to."
I pressed my lips together in a smile. "Yeah, you're right."
Melissa glanced down at the lobby again and sighed, "You know, some couples stick together for years, but in the end, they still can't compete with an innocent or seductive face. Everyone should weigh marriage carefully."
"Come on, don't worry about it. You and Zachary are so in love right now. Don't let my problems get you down.
"Sure, marriage isn't always perfect, but it's not all bad either. There are always people out there who are happy," I said gently, trying to reassure her.
Melissa smiled and nodded.
Maybe it was because I knew Jared and Tracy were in that private room, and I kept glancing downstairs every now and then while I ate.
Suddenly, Jared and Tracy stepped out, followed by a middle-aged man who looked to be in his fifties. The three of them stood in the hallway outside the private room, talking.
Tracy looked bashful and sweet, her hands clasped together, head down as she stared at her shoes.
Jared was smiling as he spoke with the middle-aged man, who suddenly reached out and ruffled Tracy's hair, his face full of affection.
Jared glanced at Tracy, too, with an approving smile on his face.
Tracy was acting all cute and coy with the middle-aged man, even leaning on his shoulder. She was nothing like the strict, authoritative woman from the office. Right now, she looked just like a daughter sweet-talking her dad.
Jared had a gentle, easy smile on his face as the three of them chatted and laughed together. The vibe between them couldn't have been better.
After a while, it looked like everything was going smoothly, and the three of them headed back into the private room.
I couldn't take my eyes off them, snapping photo after photo with my phone the whole time.
"What's she acting all shy for? Is this seriously a meet-the-parents moment?" Melissa fumed on my behalf, clenching her fists. "Jared is so shameless. You two aren't even divorced yet."
I set my phone down and told her, "Don't be mad. Just eat your food first."
"How am I supposed to eat? I'm already full from being angry. Jared can't treat you like this, meeting her parents before you're even divorced? Is he really that desperate to get married again?" Melissa snapped.
She was always straightforward, and right now, she was even angrier than I was.
I was feeling pretty stifled, too, but at this point, there was nothing I could do to change any of it.
Even though Jared and I had a passionate night together just yesterday, it didn't change the fact that we were still heading in opposite directions.
Suddenly, Melissa looked over at me and said, "Victoria, since your marriage has already come to this, I have a piece of advice for you. Care to hear?"
I looked up at her.
Melissa continued, "You know that rule about stocks? You're supposed to sell when the market is at its peak. It's the same with a woman's youth. If you cash out when you're at your most valuable, that's when you get the biggest return."
I paused with my fork in hand, staring at her in a daze.
Melissa looked me up and down. "You're young, elegant, and beautiful. The other day, you said Jared seemed more interested in you lately. Have you ever thought that maybe he's actually starting to catch feelings for you again?"
"And then what?" I asked, knowing exactly what she meant.
Melissa continued, "Of course, you need to play the game with him. Make him fall for you all over again, then hit him with the divorce. He'll feel guilty, blame himself, and if he still loves you, he'll end up giving you even more money.
"I've handled so many divorce cases. Trust me. I know how this works. A smart woman doesn't go to war with a man. She uses his guilt and takes him for everything he's got."
Melissa said, clapping her hands, "That's right. You've already played your cards wrong, and there's no going back now. Victoria, I know you're soft-hearted, but right now, you have to be ruthless.
"You need to be smart about this divorce. Don't be dumb and walk away with nothing, or I'll seriously look down upon you."
I pressed my lips together in a smile. "Alright, I'll listen to you."
After Melissa and I finished our meal and started heading downstairs, to our surprise, the private room door swung open at that exact moment.
Jared and the middle-aged man were walking ahead, still chatting away like they couldn't get enough.
But then Tracy spotted me, and she walked over to greet me gracefully. "Mrs. Holcomb, you're dining here, too? What a coincidence. Jared and I are having dinner with my dad."
'Jared?' I thought. 'Since when did they get so close?'
"She's fixing his tie," I said.
Tracy had just straightened Jared's collar, then moved on to adjust his tie. The two of them shared a smile before walking through the door together.
Melissa's eyes went wide in disbelief, then her gaze turned sympathetic as she looked at me. "Victoria, does it hurt?" she asked, reaching out to hug me.
I felt like I was frozen in place, unable to move for a long moment. Then I managed a smile. "No, I'm not surprised at all."
Melissa immediately gasped, "They're together? Victoria, is Jared cheating on you?"
I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip of it, saying quietly, "I don't know. I haven't seen any solid proof of him cheating yet, but judging by how flirty they were just now, they might really be together."
"Victoria, I used to envy you not long ago, but now— I don't even know what to say," Melissa said, looking at me with sympathy. "So, are you planning to just put up with this?
"Turn a blind eye and let them do whatever they want?"
"No, I'm going to get a divorce," I said, lowering my eyes, my voice firm. "Once I have the evidence, I'll file for divorce, take what's rightfully mine, and live my single life."
As a woman, Melissa understood just how awful it felt when one's husband cheated. She nodded. "Okay, I support you. But what about your daughter? Can you really get a divorce and give her up?"
Thinking about Yvonne's thoughts, I glanced out the window and gave a faint smile. "Melissa, to be honest, Yvonne actually likes the woman by his side."
"What?" Melissa was shocked again. "Why isn't she on your side? She should be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you against all this."
"I used to think so too," I said with a bitter smile. "But you never really know what's in someone's heart. Sometimes, even your child might not truly stand with you."
"Victoria, you've changed so much lately. It's no wonder, with everything that's happened," Melissa sighed, her voice full of sympathy. "Your daughter is a part of you. How are you supposed to handle all these blows?"
"I'll just go with the flow," I said. I wasn't going to force anything anymore. I was ready to accept whatever came my way. "Time heals all wounds. Someday, the pain in my heart will fade away."
Melissa looked at me blankly for a long time, then let out a soft laugh. "Victoria, do you ever regret marrying him and having a child?"
Her question stunned me. I opened my mouth, but I just couldn't find the words to answer.
"No step in life is ever wasted," I finally said with a smile. "I married Jared, and the youth I spent was his youth too.
"There's really nothing to regret. He gave me the comfortable life I have now. It was just a fair trade, you know."
Melissa looked completely stunned. She probably felt like I was a stranger to her now.
After all, not long ago, I was desperately trying to hold on to Jared, playing the part of a dutiful maid, braving the elements every day to pick up and drop off Yvonne.
For me to suddenly come to my senses like this must have been pretty shocking.
Melissa reached out to touch my forehead, then took my hand, pushed up my sleeve, and saw the mole on my wrist. "Victoria, how did you suddenly get so wise and clear-headed? I feel like I barely know you anymore."
I knew I'd changed so much that it might be a shock to my closest friend. But I couldn't help it. Life kept pushing me forward, and all I could do was toughen up and build my inner strength.
I said softly, "Alright, Melissa, let's not talk about Jared for now. Let's talk about ourselves. Whether it's clothes, bags, stuff around the house, or even the TV shows and idols we used to love, don't we all get tired of them after a while?
"I think it's just human nature to get tired of things and start wanting something new. Forever is just something people wish for. So, I don't want to keep tearing myself up inside anymore."
Melissa finally seemed convinced that I'd really grown. She gave me a firm pat on the back. "Alright, things will only get better from here.
"You're changing at just the right time. Once you make a name for yourself, you won't have to depend on anyone else or ask a man for money. There's a real future to look forward to."
I pressed my lips together in a smile. "Yeah, you're right."
Melissa glanced down at the lobby again and sighed, "You know, some couples stick together for years, but in the end, they still can't compete with an innocent or seductive face. Everyone should weigh marriage carefully."
"Come on, don't worry about it. You and Zachary are so in love right now. Don't let my problems get you down.
"Sure, marriage isn't always perfect, but it's not all bad either. There are always people out there who are happy," I said gently, trying to reassure her.
Melissa smiled and nodded.
Maybe it was because I knew Jared and Tracy were in that private room, and I kept glancing downstairs every now and then while I ate.
Suddenly, Jared and Tracy stepped out, followed by a middle-aged man who looked to be in his fifties. The three of them stood in the hallway outside the private room, talking.
Tracy looked bashful and sweet, her hands clasped together, head down as she stared at her shoes.
Jared was smiling as he spoke with the middle-aged man, who suddenly reached out and ruffled Tracy's hair, his face full of affection.
Jared glanced at Tracy, too, with an approving smile on his face.
Tracy was acting all cute and coy with the middle-aged man, even leaning on his shoulder. She was nothing like the strict, authoritative woman from the office. Right now, she looked just like a daughter sweet-talking her dad.
Jared had a gentle, easy smile on his face as the three of them chatted and laughed together. The vibe between them couldn't have been better.
After a while, it looked like everything was going smoothly, and the three of them headed back into the private room.
I couldn't take my eyes off them, snapping photo after photo with my phone the whole time.
"What's she acting all shy for? Is this seriously a meet-the-parents moment?" Melissa fumed on my behalf, clenching her fists. "Jared is so shameless. You two aren't even divorced yet."
I set my phone down and told her, "Don't be mad. Just eat your food first."
"How am I supposed to eat? I'm already full from being angry. Jared can't treat you like this, meeting her parents before you're even divorced? Is he really that desperate to get married again?" Melissa snapped.
She was always straightforward, and right now, she was even angrier than I was.
I was feeling pretty stifled, too, but at this point, there was nothing I could do to change any of it.
Even though Jared and I had a passionate night together just yesterday, it didn't change the fact that we were still heading in opposite directions.
Suddenly, Melissa looked over at me and said, "Victoria, since your marriage has already come to this, I have a piece of advice for you. Care to hear?"
I looked up at her.
Melissa continued, "You know that rule about stocks? You're supposed to sell when the market is at its peak. It's the same with a woman's youth. If you cash out when you're at your most valuable, that's when you get the biggest return."
I paused with my fork in hand, staring at her in a daze.
Melissa looked me up and down. "You're young, elegant, and beautiful. The other day, you said Jared seemed more interested in you lately. Have you ever thought that maybe he's actually starting to catch feelings for you again?"
"And then what?" I asked, knowing exactly what she meant.
Melissa continued, "Of course, you need to play the game with him. Make him fall for you all over again, then hit him with the divorce. He'll feel guilty, blame himself, and if he still loves you, he'll end up giving you even more money.
"I've handled so many divorce cases. Trust me. I know how this works. A smart woman doesn't go to war with a man. She uses his guilt and takes him for everything he's got."
Melissa said, clapping her hands, "That's right. You've already played your cards wrong, and there's no going back now. Victoria, I know you're soft-hearted, but right now, you have to be ruthless.
"You need to be smart about this divorce. Don't be dumb and walk away with nothing, or I'll seriously look down upon you."
I pressed my lips together in a smile. "Alright, I'll listen to you."
After Melissa and I finished our meal and started heading downstairs, to our surprise, the private room door swung open at that exact moment.
Jared and the middle-aged man were walking ahead, still chatting away like they couldn't get enough.
But then Tracy spotted me, and she walked over to greet me gracefully. "Mrs. Holcomb, you're dining here, too? What a coincidence. Jared and I are having dinner with my dad."
'Jared?' I thought. 'Since when did they get so close?'
End of The Housewife's Return To Her Alluring Prime Chapter 55. Continue reading Chapter 56 or return to The Housewife's Return To Her Alluring Prime book page.