f his word. We were married in a swift, impersonal ceremony at City Hall. He slid a simple, elegant platinu

at overlooked the entire city. It was modern, minima

frequently. I leave for an extended trip to Asia tomorrow, so you will have the place to yourself to se

the new weight of the ring on my finger a constant, unfamiliar presence. My heart still ached for Ethan, a dull, persistent throb of pain. But every time the gr

the credit card he'd left, began ordering everything I needed to set up a new jewelry workshop. Benches, tools, torches, raw silver and gold, a sel

. It was a networking event for jewelry designers and retailers, and I knew I

ped moonstone. As I walked into the crowded ballroom, a wave of anxiety hit me. These events were always E

, I was

ntial buyer I recognized when a vo

ook what the c

mpagne in her hand. Ethan was at her side, his expression unreadable as he looked at

an," I said, m

id, her smile all teeth. "I heard you'd run off. We were s

rected her, my eyes flicking to Ethan.

vice. This look... it's not going to work. Pining after your guardian? It's a lit

in around us. She was painting me as a lovesick child, a home-wr

ith you, Brittany," I said,

you're hanging around, trying to get his attention, you're embarrassing hi

d public. "Brittany's right, Ava. You'

have a home to go to, not the one he mean

ng by as his fiancée publicly humiliated me. Something inside me snapp

lear and steady. The peo

ot going anywhere. And for the rec

ng the simple platinum band

y voice ringing with a conviction I

blazed with an emotion that looked terrifyingly like rage. Brittany just stared, her mouth slightly agape. I