na's

peaking, Lucas froze wi

"Eliana, what the hell are you even talking about? You're nothing more than a nobod

rd," I said calmly. "I truly hope you and Bel

tay chained together for life. At least that

ed as he looked at

explode when his ph

ringtone he had set

g on over the phone, but Lucas' expression softened im

. Everything's fi

eaded for the door without

er wait. If she cries too hard and gets sick, you'l

frowned. Then, he studied me with a sharp, s

t had made him loo

dignity at such a time. I would've grabbed his

know why Bella was so special to him. I would've fallen at

urging him to leave and acting lik

f guilt. Or perhaps my sudde

He took a small velvet box from his suit po

e. This is for you. Consider it m

I don't want a gift," I said softly.

he housekeeper handl

m a moment to absorb my words, then added,

narled. "Stop saying

th disgust. "You'r

looking back. His footsteps

shut, I smiled bitterly. I h

ve was reserved for B

ed beside him long enough, I could earn even the sma

g. Bella sounded smug over the line

me for it. He spent the entire day shopping with me, so he didn't have time to buy you anything. I'd gotten

t was nothing more than one

eap perfume and desperation. Now, I understand. Garbage like that might be valu

call and blocked her number. Then, I

sudden wave of d

pport. A buzz filled my ears, a

as happening. The rain, the cold, and the fever had comb

gh my contacts, found the number of the one person

ediately. A man's deep, magnetic

ian

for a

t friend, Jenny Jones

no time to mak

ace and splashed across the s

more, but all that came from

verything went bla