ora

ore a simple, form-fitting black silk dress, a stark contrast to the glittering jewels adorni

aiting for me. A velvet box from Graff sat between us on the

, pulling out my chair with a ch

even fully seated. "I should have told you.

ble. "This is for you. A small

't open it. My silence was a

sie was an old friend from a troubled past. He was just helping her get

hful indiscretions. He claimed the child was a product of her f

playing at the corners of my mouth. He was a terrible liar.

"I'll put everything in your name. Complete transparency. Just... don't do

clammy, desperate. "We've been through so much. Do

rately. The gesture was gentle, but i

the phone in my

text message glow

waiting for you at The Gr

surged through me. T

us hope. He was still waiting for my answer, for

luid and

lear above the gentle hum of the restau

hat? What do you mean

utch. "I have ano

on the table. With one fingerti

I said softly, "for so

d, disbelieving gaze on my back with every step. I passed the maître d'

s, I breathed deeply, ful

ust as the text had promised. I slid into the

the one Jefferey knew-vibrated.

was collapsing. His other phone rang. It was Jess

did what he always did. He cho

aw and weary. "I'll marry you. Is that

e's sobs stoppe

you need to give me time. I need Elenora to finish the last

as a tool. An as

hardening. He concluded that this was just a game to her. A power play.

ded to a smooth stop

rcus Hayes, waited on the sidewalk. He

r. Romero is e

adying breath, and stepped out.

never lo