The ring glittered under the streetlights.
Beautiful.
Cold.
Terrifying.
Maya couldn’t stop staring at it.
Not because she wanted it—
but because Edward remembered.
After four years, he still remembered one stupid moment outside a jewelry store.
That realization unsettled her more than the marriage contract ever did.
William stepped forward again, furious.
“Put that away.”
Edward ignored him completely.
His eyes never left Maya’s face.
“I bought it three years ago,” he said quietly.
Maya’s breath caught.
“What?”
“I was going to throw it away eventually.” A faint, bitter smile touched his lips. “Clearly I failed.”
Something painful twisted inside her chest.
Because part of her could suddenly picture it—
Edward alone somewhere.
Successful.
Rich.
Still holding onto a ring
