Benjamin glanced at Mason, then at me. Hurriedly, he pulled a ring from his pocket and knelt on one knee. "Ava, Mr. Murray is the wealthiest man in New York. Your statuses are too different; he can never give you a proper title. You'll always just be his mistress. But I'm different. If you're willing, I'll marry you immediately. You can be my wife, in name and in law!"
I looked at the ring he offered with disdain. It was the same one from before, much too big for my finger. Back then, when he proposed, I was so moved. I didn't even care that the ring didn't fit. Foolishly, I said yes, thinking he was the love of my life. But now, I could only scoff at my naiveté.
I took the ring, twirling it between my fingers as I watched the triumphant smirk spread across his face and the color drain f
