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Chapter 3

The next morning, feeling somewhat better, I arrived at the design firm right on time.

Sarah, my creative director, held my resignation letter with mixed emotions when I told her about returning home for marriage.

“First my best jewelry designer leaves for marriage,” she sighed, shaking her head. “The studio won’t be the same without you.‘

Words failed me, so I hugged her instead, grateful for her mentorship over the years.

News of my departure spread quickly through the office. My colleagues insisted on throwing me a

farewell dinner.

I suggested the Italian restaurant Castro and I frequented partly because I didn’t know many others, but mostly because their seafood risotto was exceptional.

During dinner, I excused myself to the wash my hand, only to find Oriana touching up her makeup at the marble vanity.

“What a coincidence!” She smiled warmly at my reflection. “You know, Castro first brought me here during our college days. We’ve had so many special moments in this place since then.”

I returned a polite smile and turned to leave, seeing no reason for small talk between us.

Oriana wasn’t finished.

the other night – Castro always rinses

word “too” – made me

truth was, I loved spicy food. But Castro always insisted

I realized he was simply acting on habit.

who couldn’t handle spice.

her head, studying my

Chapter 3

this since I first

similar?”

felt

into place – I hadn’t been his love, I’d been her replacement.

colleagues‘ warmth slowly thawed my

to push aside the unpleasant encounter, the

doorway, his Armani suit slightly disheveled, his eyes scanning

I saw barely contained rage in his expression, though I couldn’t fathom

voice cut through the chatter like ice. “A word?”

him into the marble–lined hallway, I was utterly unprepared for what happened next. His hand connected

he had never raised a hand to me.

only fury. “You knew her ankle was injured. I told you I’d explain everything later

where he’d

us from down the hallway. Her designer blouse was rumpled and stained with

water.

she collapsed dramatically to the floor. Castro

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