Before I could finish speaking, he had already hung up the phone.
Confused, I looked around, not even knowing where Julia was. My mind was racing, and I dumped everything from my bag—bank cards, jewelry. I pulled out the ruby necklace Charles had given me that day and placed it on the counter, saying, "Please, take this first. I'll get the money right away. Can you save my mom?" I then took off my wedding ring, the stunning carat weight of which had made countless socialites envious.
The staff member looked troubled and said, "We can't accept jewelry. It doesn't comply with our regulations."
"I'll pay for her," a voice offered, and I turned to see the stranger I had kissed that night.
I didn't have time to think more. No matter his intentions or why he was there, I was grateful to him.
