Chapter 731

Jared froze, like he’d just been whipped.

I put the little plushie back where it belonged. “You guys are so typical, thinking that if a woman ever loved you, she’ll be hung up on you for life.”

Jared snapped his head toward me, looking absolutely crushed.

I grabbed a wet wipe and, right in front of him, slowly wiped my lips. “If you ever pull that crazy, controlling crap again, I’m gone. No second chances.”

“I’m sorry.” Jared suddenly covered his face in pain, backing away until he hit the wall. His voice was heavy with resentment as he asked, “Didn’t you say you’d never trust marriage again? But you still want to marry Edward, don’t you?”

“Just because I stepped in crap on one road doesn’t mean I should ignore all the beautiful views along the way,” I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Whether I get married or not is my call. I’m not ruining myself just to get back at someone. Every relationship I’ve had, I chose because I wanted it, because I needed it.”

“When did you get so ambitious? Every guy you’ve ever loved turned into a stepping stone for you, helping you climb higher. Victoria, aren’t you scared you’ll crash and burn?” Jared’s voice was thick with disappointment.

“If I fall, that’s on me. Save your concern,” I said, turning to leave.

“Victoria, when are you finally going to stop playing games?” Jared called after me.

I turned back to face him. “I’m not playing games. I’m just living my life—that’s my freedom.”

Jared stood there, frozen, not moving to follow me.

I walked out of the elevator and slid into my car, feeling surprisingly calm.

The way Jared acted today just proved he still had feelings for me, still waiting for me to come back.

But there’s no way I’m going back. I’m moving forward, determined to live my own life.

When I got home, I had some time to kill, so I went into my chill room and did some yoga.

I knew just how important it was to keep my body in shape and my vibe on point.

They say 80% of dating is all about looks.

The other 20%—your personality—only matters if you pass the looks test first.

After sweating for over half an hour, I jumped in the shower and washed my hair.

Before I could dry my hair, the doorbell rang.

I went to open the door, and there was Edward.

My long hair was soaking wet, and when Edward saw me, he frowned. “You’re washing your hair this late?”

I laughed, still rubbing my hair with a towel. “Who doesn’t end up washing their hair after a long day at work?”

Edward hesitated, didn’t push it. He just said quietly, “My mom’s had migraines for years. She blames it on washing her hair at night when she was young.”

I nodded. “Alright, I’ll try to wash it earlier from now on.”

Edward saw I didn’t talk back, just quietly agreed with him, and he pulled me into a gentle hug. “Want me to help dry your hair?”

With someone offering to help, of course I wouldn’t say no. I leaned back on the couch while Edward knelt behind me. The hum of the hair dryer and the warm air made everything feel so peaceful.

“You didn’t drink today, did you?” I asked, suddenly remembering something.

“Nope, just had coffee,” Edward replied.

“Okay,” I said, just letting it go.

With my eyes closed, I drifted back to my previous life. Jared would get sick and never knew how to take care of himself. I’d heard mixing antibiotics and alcohol could be fatal, so every time he went out while sick, I’d nag him about it until he got fed up.