Page 115 of Temporary Vows

All I know about my engagement ring is that it must have cost a fuck ton of money.

“How much do you think I’d get for this if I sold it?” I ask quietly, holding the ring higher. “I mean, technically, it’s a gift. Gifts aren’t included in the contract.”

“I’m not sure it works like that.”

My gaze flicks to Skylar then back to the ring.

“Must be worth at least the hundred and twenty thousand dollars I owe Dorian. Right?” My voice sounds hollow and faraway, like I’m hearing it on the edge of a strong breeze. “If it’s a gift, I could sell it and give him the money. Then I’d be free to go about my life in peace.”

“Elodie, you… look a little numb.” Skylar observes me, running her eyes over my still, tense form while she waits for an answer. I can’t give her one.

She thinks I look numb. Numb doesn’t come close to how I feel. Numb is when a part of your body is deprived of physical sensation.

How do I explain that every single part of me feels trapped in flightandfight mode? Like my insides are on fire yet Arctic cold at the same time.

It makes no sense.Nothingdoes.

With a frustrated sigh, I slip the ring in the side pocket of my purse.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing that?” She borrows the same quiet tone I used.

“Not here. Not at work. This place is still mine. Out there”—I point way ahead to the gates—“that’s his world. He can’t have me here.”

“Elodie… Maybe you should take the day off. Go home and cool off.”

“No.” The word comes out harsher than I intend. “I have no damn home.”

Her brows pinch. I was harsh, but I know she understands. I told her what happened this morning.

“Do you want to come stay with me for the night? It may be a change of scenery.” She offers a kind smile, the kind only a friend can give you because they understand how shitty you feel.

I should accept the offer. It may make me feel better. But there is no point. Wherever I went for a change of scenery would be temporary. And it always leads me back home to him. Except my soon-to-be husband may not always be there. Then I’d have to guess if he was away on business or pleasure with Miss Susan. Or whoever it may be that week. Or day.

“It’s best I don’t. But thank you.” My voice is softer now.

“My door is always open if you want to get away.”

“I appreciate that.”

Skylar leans forward, pressing her palm against the soft tuft of grass. “Please don’t allow yourself to fall apart because of this morning.”

“It’s too late for that. I’m ready to snap.” I let out a cynical laugh. “What kind of asshole gives a woman an engagement ring, then lines up another woman for the same night?” Dorian picked the suite for Susan, and from the way Albert made it sound, I could tell it was something that happened often.

And stupid me, I had to just sit there and listen to it.

I was so embarrassed. Then I realized it was my fault again for ending up in such a situation.

My contract with Dorian didn’t sign itself. I signed it. I agreed to every single one of his terms and conditions on the premise that I wanted a better life.

What did I think was actually going to happen when he told me we’d live separate lives?

“What if Susan is a client?” Skylar suggests, her eyes hopeful. “Maybe you misinterpreted the conversation.”

“I don’t think so. She didn’t sound like a client.”

Skylar pouts. “Okay, so maybe not a client. Maybe she is something else. I can’t imagine Albert arranging a date for Dorian with you right there.”

“Albert brought me the contract. He knows everything that’s going on and what my relationship with Dorian is supposed to be. I don’t think he’d think that way if he’s been told we’ll live separate lives.”