s back in her street clothes-a tailored blazer a

bby, expecting Julian to finall

g his wool coat. He was actively avoiding her eyes, nerv

crisis just occurred at the fund. The European markets ar

tting room vanished, replaced by a cold,

g bands at the jeweler next door in ten minutes

lex, who was standing quietly by the f

one. "I need a massive favor. Can you escort Colett

er tongue. This was a humiliating arrangement. Her fia

"Of course, Julian. I will ma

fore Colette

ely, leaned in to kiss Colette's cold, unrespon

p, heavy wave of dejection and embarrass

eld it open for her, his gaze silen

ewalk. The silence between them was absolute, filled only

ry jewelry store. Chloe, the senior sales associa

ng height, and the expensive watch on his wrist.

, clasping her hands together. "You make su

s of the situation suffocated

for him to correct the associate. S

was calm. He allowed the massive misunderstand

rge, protective hand on the small of Colette

is touch. Her mind spun from

e, glittering diamond rings. She present

of her daze. The humiliation of buying her

arply away fro

her voice harsh and biting. "He is not my fi

. She gasped, stammering out

k, emotionless mask. But Colette saw it-a dark, pa

a simple diamond band on th

with trembling fingers, desperat

store quickly, the bell chiming above the door.

is jaw was tight, his chest aching as he processed her hars