Chapter 2\
Jericho let out a breath, like that was all it took to ease his nerves.
“You’re so silly,” he said, brushing my hair back. “You’re the best gift I could ever ask for. Come here, look what I got you.”
He pulled out a velvet box and opened it with a little flourish. A diamond ring sparkled inside and he gently slipped it onto my finger.
I recognized it right away. It was the one I paused at during the exhibition a while back. I hadn’t even said anything, just stared for a moment longer than I should have.
Then the doorbell rang.
It was the driver who had dropped me off earlier. She
was
holding the gift box I had purposely left behind in the back seat. Inside was the
tie I had spent weeks planning.
Last month, I flew all the way to Meciland, found a well–known craftsman and paid a ridiculous amount to have it made. Hand–stitched, initials embroidered, mine and his.
It was supposed to be special. But by the time I got home today, it didn’t feel like it mattered anymore. So I left it.”
Jericho took the box from the driver and smiled, then handed her 10 thousand dollars like it was nothing.”
She blinked, stunned.
My wife was upset she lost this,” Jericho said. “I’d spend a million if it made her happy again.“}
ma’am. He remembers your anniversary, spoils you and actually
The driver looked at me, wide–eyed and a little envious. “You’re lucky to
cares how you feel.
“My husband? Always out gambling or chasing some other woman. Doesn’t even know what day it is.“} I glanced at Jericho and for the briefest moment, I saw it, guilt, flickering in
I took my time before going into the bedroom. I needed a second. Maybe
eyes like he knew.
was put back perfectly, dressing table neat, no water marks on the window ledge and not a
However, the room was spotless. Everything w single trace of perfume in the air.
It was like nothing had happened.
Except the wedding photo on the wall. It was tilted, just earlier.
little. That was where it happened, where he had pushed Margot against the wall
Jericho came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, his movements slow and careful. His chin rested on my shoulder. He was being sweet, gentle, like always. But my chest felt tight. I couldn’t breathe. Everything I saw earlier kept playing in my head on a loop. The way he looked at her. The way he touched her.
With her, he was completely different. Excited. Aggressive. Alive in a way I hadn’t seen in years.
And suddenly, I wasn’t sure if I was sad… or just done pretending.
I shoved him away without thinking, my chest tight and sweat gathering at my hairline.
Jericho froze. “Baby, what’s going on with you today? How am I supposed to leave for a business trip tomorrow if you’re like this?”
His concern seemed real But just hours ago, those same eyes were staring at someone else, hungry, focused, lit up in ways I hadn’t seen in years.”
I couldn’t stop the memory from crashing back. Margot, flushed and wide–eyed, lying in his arms like she belonged there. “Mr. Greene, are you going to my graduation tomorrow? My friends really want to meet my boyfriend.”
Jericho lit a cigarette, the corners of his mouth curling. “I’ll be there. You’ve still gotta wear that gown for me, right?”
{his
Margot had blushed all the way to her ears and buried her face in his chest.
“Reina? Reina?” His voice snapped me back to the room, to the man still holding onto his mask of concern.
I met his eyes and asked softly, “Why don’t you stay home with me tomorrow?”
That caught him off guard. He blinked like he didn’t recognize me. After a beat, he said, “The client I’m meeting is kind of a big deal. But how about the day after tomorrow? I’ll come back early. We’ll spend the whole evening together.“}
I looked down so he wouldn’t see the bitterness in my eyes. “Okay.”
‘But you’re not going to find me the day after tomorrow‘, I thought. Not the day after. Not ever again.”
While he went to take a shower, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. Callum.
I almost laughed. Jericho always acted like he was above Callum, said he partied too hard, had no respect for women.
Even walked out of a private dinner once when Callum brought in a group of girls, slamming the door behind him like some noble man who couldn’t be tempted.
And yet here we were.”
