nderson

om, clutching the diary and the ul

room, closed the door, and the lock clicke

nst the cold wall. I bit down hard on my lower lip-the

, to give myself some comfort, but my lips wouldn't obey. Th

w-the Eliza I used to

ront door unlocking. Gage and Caroline were back. Thei

. I hope you ate something. I brought your favorite Thai curry, to make up for

rich aroma of coconut milk

," he continued, arranging the containers on the dining

y, Gage. I don

in, her voice laced with concern. She gestured toward the food

notification popped up on the screen: "Penthouse sa

y both stared at my phone, then at me. Their usu

liza?" Gage's voice was

. "Cash buyer, closing tomorrow morning." I stood

y room. As I passed the living room sofa, I saw

"This ring," he'd said, holding up the dazzling diamond, "is a symbol of my endless loyalty, my pr

. Her hand intertwined with Gage's, my engagement ring glittering on her finger. The caption read: "Finall

rise up again, but then

ning of this?" His voic

g, Gage?" I

ring! Why is she wearing

ated the obvious. "Maybe she feels enti

's just emotional. I let her try it on to calm her down. You know how sensitive women get when they're pr

t could freeze. "You two keep it. I don't need i

triumphant smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. His promises of bigger rings, better lives-they al

pt into a ball and tossed it in the

ke back wh