Chapter 1.
“Ma’am, seen the whole collection now? Nothing catches your eye?”
“Ma’am?”
Rosalind Johansen blinked, pulled from her thoughts.
Her finger landed at random on a diamond necklace.“This one. Wrap it up.”
Relief washed over the clerk’s face.“Right away.”
A wave of satisfaction rippled through the boutique staff.
Rosalind’s daily visits for three months were legendary.
“Ms. Johansen,” one associate ventured, envy clear in her voice, “your husband must cherish you! Treating jewels like everyday trinkets… Incredible.”
“They’re right,” another added. “Follow the money, find the love. A man spending like that? He’s utterly devoted.”
“Rich and a hopeless romantic. Life truly favors you, Ms. Johansen…”
Rosalind offered a thin, distant smile at the flattery.
Her attention stayed fixed on the associate across the room, the one quietly packaging her purchase, not jostling
for favor.
Her hands were particularly striking, delicate, pale, and graceful.
Rosalind felt a flicker of self–disgust, like some kind of stalker.
She needed to see up close the woman who’d shattered her husband’s famed self–control.
What magic did this ordinary shop girl possess to make her husband discard their fifteen years together, trample every sacred vow, and choose her?
The associate’s name was Latoya Middleton. Her face wasn’t classically beautiful, just pleasant.
But those hands were exquisite, delicate, and perfectly formed. Even a woman could appreciate them. It was no wonder a man would be captivated.
As Rosalind was leaving, she asked, “Could you do me a favor?”
As a top–tier VIP client, the answer was always yes.
She slid the ring off her ring finger and handed it to the associate. “Melt this down for me, please.”
The associate looked shocked. “But… this is your wedding ring? And … it looks like there’s an inscription?”
There was indeed an inscription: CF and RJ, the initials of Christopher Foret and Rosalind Johansen.
Christopher had engraved it himself.
The associate double–checked, “Ms. Johansen, this ring must hold such significance. Are you sure you want it
melted?”
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Chapter 1
“Yes” Rosalind stated firmly.“Tease do it as soon as possible.”
Rosalind arrived home as evening fell.
She had barely stepped through the front door when Christopher barreled out, nearly knocking her over.
She stumbled back several steps, almost losing her balance.
Luckily, a strong hand shot out and caught her around the waist, preventing the fall.
Christopher frowned, a light sheen of sweat on his brow.“Where were you? Why are you only getting home now?”
“Yes, Mrs. Foret,” chimed in Liza Lester, their housekeeper. “It’s past seven. You should let Mr. Foret know if you’ll be out late. He was ready to call the police…”
Standing slightly behind Christopher was his assistant, Joshua Pruitt.
Seeing her, Joshua visibly relaxed and spoke into his phone. “Sir, my apologies. Mrs. Foret is home now. Thank you for your time.”
Christopher leaned down slightly, quickly scanning her for any sign of harm.
Seeing she was unhurt, the tension in his face eased a fraction.“Your phone was off. I thought something had happened to you.”
He instinctively reached out to touch her cheek, then frowned again.“You’re freezing.”
Rosalind pushed his hand away and moved past him into the house.“Just needed some air. Felt stifled in here. My phone died.”
Christopher caught up in two strides, shrugging off his suit jacket and draping it around her shoulders as he guided her inside.“The wind picks up at night. Don’t catch a chill.”
Rosalind tried to pull away, but his arm held firm. She stopped resisting.
Once inside, Christopher started issuing orders. “Liza, make Rosa hot coffee to warm her up.”
Then he turned to Joshua.“Go to Blossom Eatery. Get her usual favorites. Tell them easy on the salt and sugar.”
“Right away, Mr. Foret.”
Soon, they were alone in the living room.
Christopher kept his arm firmly around her shoulders, a gesture both possessive and protective. His voice, however, was gentle. “I was a bit frantic earlier. I’m sorry if I sounded harsh, Rosa. Please don’t be angry.”
Chanter 3
