Chapter 4

Caroline POV

Three days before the marking ceremony, the jewelry company delivered the rings.

I was about to go to the study to show Isaac.

Just as I reached the door, I heard voices inside—Bethany's distinctive tone with a touch of coquettishness.

"...Really for me?" Her voice came through the crack in the door, painfully clear.

My steps halted. I stopped in the shadows outside the door.

I was still holding the velvet box with the ring I'd just signed for.

"What else?" Isaac's voice responded with that familiar, carelessly lazy laugh. "I already told you it was made for you all along."

"But..." Bethany's voice lowered, but couldn't hide her excitement. "What about Caroline... Isn't she supposed to use this tomorrow..."

"Her?" Isaac chuckled lightly, the laugh dripping with undisguised contempt. "Does it matter what she uses tomorrow? She's just a prop. This ring's size and style were designed for your preferences from the beginning."

A brief silence. I could imagine Bethany trying on the ring.

"Look," her voice came again, full of smugness. "It fits perfectly. Isaac, you even remember my ring size..."

"What about you don't I remember clearly?" His voice softened with a warmth he'd never given me. "Alright, take it off. Tomorrow... there'll be an even better show to watch."

"You're so bad..."

The rest became muffled, perhaps a kiss, perhaps something else.

But I didn't need to hear anymore.

I stood outside the door, the exquisite box in my hand suddenly so heavy my arm ached.

Made for you all along.

Just seven words, sharper and more complete than any elaborate conspiracy.

I didn't push open that door. I quietly walked back to the bedroom.

I went to my vanity and placed that unopened ring box squarely in the center of the surface.

Then I sat down and looked at myself in the mirror.

My face was a bit pale, but my eyes were dry, calm as a frozen lake.

So when your heart dies completely, even anger and sorrow freeze along with it.

That's fine. It saves energy.

I took out my phone and sent Harlan a brief message:

[Final confirmation on the flight and pet transport.]

Almost immediately, he replied:

[Everything ready. You can leave anytime.]

I put down my phone. My gaze fell on the calendar on the nightstand. Under today's date was a small circle drawn in red pen. Next to it were three smaller circles, one overlapping another, like a countdown.

Three more days.