Chapter 3

Ethan didn't come home that night either.

He only sent a short text late into the night: Project is a mess, pulling an all-nighter. Don't wait up, get some rest.

I stared at the screen until the backlight died, leaving only the reflection of my emotionless face.

Better this way.

I started packing my belongings.

In this place we called "home," there were barely any traces of me left.

I gathered every gift I had given him over the years and piled them up in a remote corner of the backyard.

When the flames caught, the fire crackled violently.

The heat scorched my skin, yet a deep, biting chill seemed to seep out from the marrow of my bones.

Two days later, he returned, smelling of a woman's perfume that wasn't mine.

"Lemon, come with me to a charity gala tonight." He wrapped an arm around my waist, his fingertips brushing my cheek. "It's been a long time since I got you a proper gift. Whatever catches your eye tonight, I'll win it for you."

His eyes darted around, shining with an almost desperate eagerness to please.

I nodded. "Okay."

The banquet hall was dripping in gold and crystal.

Suddenly, the spotlights flared—

"Please welcome our charity ambassador for the evening, Miss Vivienne Vance!"

She glided into the hall on the arm of a prominent business mogul, a blinding diamond necklace glittering around her throat.

I recognized that piece.

It had been the crown jewel of last month's spring auction. Ethan had told me he was outbid at the last second.

Ethan's wine glass wavered slightly in his hand.

He glanced sideways at me, speaking in a hurried rush: "The brand loaned her that piece. Don't read into it."

I said nothing.

He took my hand, his thumb rubbing over the bare skin at the base of my ring finger, his motion faltering for a beat.

"Tonight," he added under his breath, "I'll get you something far better."

The final item went up on the auction block.

Resting quietly on a velvet tray was a sapphire necklace.

In an instant, the blood in my veins turned to ice.

It was the only heirloom my late mother had left behind. After our family fell on hard times, it had been sold off and lost, and I had spent the past eight years searching for it.

Ethan knew everything about it. He had spent weekends hunting through antique markets by my side, listening to me talk about how much it meant to me.

"This is 'The Ocean's Tear,' with an opening bid of five million!"

Sitting in the front row, Vivienne glanced back, flashed Ethan a radiant smile, and raised her paddle.

Ethan immediately matched her bid.

The price skyrocketed, the entire room's attention bouncing between the two of them, filled with knowing amusement.

Finally, the gavel struck down.

"Sold to Mr. Ethan Miller for twenty million! A magnificent new owner for a stunning piece!"

Thunderous applause broke out.

Vivienne stood up, shook his hand, and gracefully walked away.

Ethan returned to my side and draped an arm over my shoulder.

"We got it," he murmured, his voice laced with gentle relief. "Your mother's necklace is finally coming home."

I stared at him.

The glare of the crystal chandeliers danced in his eyes, so bright that for a split second, I almost believed him.

I almost believed he bought it for me.

"I'm going to the restroom," I said quietly.

Rounding the corner of the corridor, near the emergency exit, I stopped dead in my tracks.

In the dim shadows of the stairwell, Ethan stood with his back to me.

Vivienne stood before him, tilting her chin up. That very sapphire necklace was already clasped around her neck.

"Is it really mine?" Vivienne purred, her voice dripping with playful sweetness. "Aren't you worried your little wife at home might..."

"It was meant for you all along," Ethan cut in, his tone coaxing. "She doesn't deserve something this exquisite."

"Then why were you holding her like that just now..."

"Just keeping up appearances." He chuckled softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "Be good. Keep it on."

Vivienne stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

He let her, his hand resting casually against her hip.

I stood in the shadows, watching the necklace I had searched eight years for resting right below her collarbone.

It was as deep as the ocean, and just as freezing cold.