THE GEM HE DISCARDED FOR A PEBBLE

asa, 1788. Derek's favorite. It's silly to pop such an expensive bottle on a

d Derek Ken. I glance at my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling Mirror. My dress is deep blue, the shade he once said made my eyes unforgettable. A small, smile plastered

ing meaningful, something to say I still remember who we were. I walked away from the dining area and walk toward his study. He'd texted saying he was

ot Derek 's voice. A woman's. One I know too well. I freeze. Then comes another sound. A low groan. Derek. My breath catches. My heart

hair, his shirt wrinkled and untucked. Pressed against the bookshelf, blouse hanging open, is Lilith. My cousin and my Me

oor. he crash is loud glass exploding across the floor. Time stands still. Derek turns around. His face twists first in surprise, then something else. Not guilt but annoyance. Lilith ga

e hell, Giselle ? You can't just sneak up like tha

shed shown me. "Please," she says, stepping forward like this is all just a big misunde

What exactly does this look like. My cousin sleeping with my husban

getic. Just calculating. "Giselle ," he begins, softening his voice. "Let's not do this here. We'll talk in private." Let's n

to the mess. "You mean this betrayal on our anniver

busy with your charity stuff. Lilith's been her

e just happen to connect to each other. It's an accident, big sis." Hearing her refer me as

rt. but I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing it. Then Maria, our longtime housekeeper, appears in the hallway. Her face goes pale. Not a look of s

ears. He turns back to me, now lowering his voice. "We don't have to make this ugly. Think

without me? You gave up everything for this life. You wal

ething else takes its place. Not forgiveness, Not sorrow. But cold, clea

The watch in my pocket feels heavier now, not as a gift,

him think I'm broken, I'll let him think I've lost. He has no