was in chaos. Suitcases lined the edge of the sofa, and several cardboar

officially

rly, realizing how foolish she had been to place her full trust in her fiancé. Or rather-her ex-fiancé. Look at what he left her with.

stay for a few days," she whispered to herself, trying to stay st

again. Her feet carried her toward the pantry. Emilie opened

heart is breaking," she said quietly while wa

glass of leftover orange juice. Silence filled the room, broke

last piece of bacon. Her hands paused. Suddenly, Matthew's image appe

d, like he always did whe

loved the fatty parts of bacon sh

ooking. I love

ce from the corner of her mout

Matthew," Emili

ike that-h

on, a cruel trick of her mind. Her heart had loved

nd ring still on her finger-a gift fr

never liked selling gifts. She valued every small token given to

ag and coat, hurrying out. Her destination: a

he had. The store wasn't exactly nearby, but

ignboard of a jewelry store she had never entered before. Not because she couldn't afford jewel

er. Emilie stepped inside cautiously, adjusting he

n, Miss. How m

small box from her coat pocke

I verify its aut

rse. I'

e applied a drop of nitric acid. Right before their eyes, the ring's color dulled into a

ss.

yes widening as she

ut this ring

t's real gold... I've worn it

d this is

t as she took back the counterfeit ring. She left the

atthew gave

tion. Her grip tightened around the fake ring, and without think

king quickly, ref

k black car. Franz had just received his lunch wh

ting something shiny

he muttered,

t over in his fingers. Inside was a

pered to himself. He tucked the ring into h

is ready," said D

responded wi

his mind. He had already begun searching for information about her, and what he found we

ranz stirred : A n