bChapter /bb333 /b

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    11

    They said kids would have their own little world, but I never expected Yvonne to pick up so much just from hanging out with her friends.

    I handed her a tissue and didn’t make a big deal about her tears like I used to.

    Yvonne wiped her face and then looked up at me, her eyes full of tears. “Mom, do you really not love Dad anymore?”

    I didn’t want to give her any false hope, so I nodded and said, “That’s right, I don’t love him anymore.” Just as I finished speaking, I heard the sound of

    leather shoes clicking away behind me.

    “Dad!” Yvonne cried out.

    I turned and saw Jared’s tall figure disappearing outside the door.

    “It’s over!” Yvonne covered her ears with her hands and shook her head, refusing to believe it. “Mom, Dad heard you.”

    I stayed calm and said, “So what? I wanted him to hear every word.”

    “Mom, I’m sorry. Actually, Dad told me toe over and check on you, and he made me ask you that question,” Yvonne admitted, throwing Jared under the bus.

    She was supposed to be his little princess, but now she was just spilling everything with no dignity left for Jared.

    “Why did you do that?” I asked, my face serious. “Don’t ever try to test me again. That’s not respectful.”

    “I’m sorry,” Yvonne said, pouting with a look of guilt. “I won’t do it again.”

    “Do you know why your dad let you ask me that?” I asked her.

    “Of course! It’s because Dad still loves you. He said you used to love him so much, but after he messed upi, /iyou didn’t want to be with him anymore,” Yvonne said, resting her chin on her hand and grinning.

    I gave a small smile. “As long as he understands.”

    “Mom, I’m gonna go cheer Dad up first, and then I’lle find you in the office,” Yvonne said, jumping off her chair and running off.

    I watched Yvonne running around trying to fix things between Jared and me. It was kind of funny but also a little frustrating. Everything was just a mess now, nothing like it used to be.

    With everything changing and time moving on, I couldn’t help but wonder how this would all end. I just hoped I wouldn’t get stuck in the past and rush through life like I did in my previous life.

    J took a deep breathb, /bstood up, and headed back ito /ithe office.

    On the way back, Nathan sent me a bunch of photos–some of the scenery and some of himself. Guys never seemed to know how to take a good selfie, but with Nathan, it didn’t even matter. He just got that natural charm.

    Seeing him so full of energy, I couldn’t help but think how much he reminded me of Jared back in the day.

    I shuddered at the thought of falling for the bsame /btype of guy again. I couldn’t help but wonder if there woulde a day when Nathan looked at me and

    asked if I saw someone else in him.

    i“/iMom, Dad’s going back to work. He bsaid /bhe’s taking me to Grandma’s, so I’m leaving now!” Yvonne called from outside my door and then quickly ran off.

    I watched her brun /boff and couldn’t help but wonder if she managed to make Jared feel any better.

    08:55 Sat, 23 Aug Mi

    ? ??? 80%

    Three days passed in the blink of an eye. I had just returned from a trip to Sandanyo in Habornington, where I met with a few investors interested in working with us.

    The weather in Sandanyo was perfect with bright sunshine. I wore a light dress, kicked off my shoes, and let my feet sink into the sand, feeling, the cool

    ocean water wash over my toes.

    With a wide–brimmed hat shading my face, I strolled along the shore, surrounded by nothing but the endless ocean. It was vast, open, and breathtaking.

    For a moment, I felt like time had reversed. In my previous life, I hade here to clear my mind, walking alone along this very beach.

    Back then, I was at rock bottom, feeling drained of life. As I stared out at the ocean, all I could think about was diving in and ending it all.

    I bent down to pick up a few seashells, nning to keep them as mementos. As I searched, a man’s legs suddenly appeared in my line of sight.

    Surprised, I looked up, squinting into the sunlight, and for a second, I could’ve sworn it was Jared standing there.

    “Here’s another one,” Jared said, bending down to pick up a shell and handing it to me.

    AD

    08:55 Sat, 23 Aug