Chapter 3

Jerome stepped out of the master bedroom and pulled me aside. "She just got back, and her place is flooded right now. She's only staying for a few days."

He squeezed my hand gently. "Cut me some slack, okay?"

I pulled my hand back and said nothing more.

Three days later, Jerome had a custom designer gown delivered to me.

"Come with me to a charity gala tonight," he said.

After I put on the gown, I went downstairs and found Cindy in the car too, wearing a red dress.

She patted the seat next to her. "Demi, come sit over here."

I looked over at Jerome.

Once we arrived at the venue, Jerome kept a firm hold of my hand the entire time.

When people came over to toast him, his very first line was always, "This is my girlfriend, Demi Atkinson."

Someone teased with a laugh. "I'd heard long ago that you spoil your partner. I finally got to see it in person today."

Cindy stood off to the side all by herself. She tried to chime in a few times, but no one paid her any mind.

Just then, she took a phone call and suddenly came running over with red eyes. "Jerome, can you come with me to meet the head of the foundation? There's a problem with the charity project my dad left behind. They're pulling the last round of funding."

She reached out and grabbed Jerome's sleeve. "It's the only thing my dad left behind before he died. I can't just let it go under."

Jerome glanced at me, then handed his wine glass to a waiter. "Just give me five minutes. I'll take her over and come right back. Wait here for me, okay?"

I stood right there and waited for five minutes.

At five minutes and one second, I picked up my clutch and caught a cab home.

An hour later, the front door burst open.

Jerome strode right over to me. "Babe, why'd you leave by yourself? Are you upset?"

Just as I was about to speak, Cindy suddenly started frantically digging through her purse. "Oh no! My brooch! I left it at the venue!"

Jerome frowned. "What brooch? If it's lost, it's lost. Don't make a scene over it."

"The one you gave me back in freshman year when I came in first place!"

Cindy grabbed his arm, her eyes instantly turning red-rimmed. "I've worn it for ten years! I can't lose it."

Jerome turned to look at me. "I'll go back with her to look for it and be right back."

Before I could even answer, he had already walked out the door with Cindy.

By the time they returned, it was already late into the night.

Jerome set a box of seafood chowder down in front of me. "I bought it for you. It's still warm."

I didn't reach for it.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind. "Tonight was my fault. There won't be a next time, I promise. I've already booked the restaurant for our three-year anniversary, and I've got a surprise ready. Dress up pretty when the day comes, okay?"

That night, Katie texted me. "Fresh intel from the Howard family dinner! My aunt said a certain someone dropped 48 million dollars to win a blue diamond solitaire ring. I wonder who it's for! I really have no idea!"

…

On the night of our anniversary, the reservation was for 8:00 pm.

I changed into my dress and arrived at the restaurant by 7:02 pm.

At 7:59 pm, I called Jerome. He didn't answer.

At 8:00 pm sharp, I called him again. Still, no one picked up.

At 8:01 pm, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and walked right out.

The waiter hurried over. "Mrs. Howard, your food hasn't been served yet."

I handed her my card. "There's no need. Just charge it."

When I pushed open the front door at home, Cindy was sitting on the couch. Jerome was kneeling on one knee in front of her, holding her ankle.

Cindy instantly jerked her foot back. "Demi, don't get the wrong idea! I fell in the bathroom, and Jerome took me to the hospital. That's why he's late for your anniversary dinner."

Jerome stood up and hurried toward me. "Babe, I'm sorry. It was an emergency."

He pulled out his phone and wired me two million dollars on the spot. "Don't be mad. Buy yourself a little something."

I stared at the two-million-dollar transfer notification on my screen, then glanced over at Cindy.

For the very first time, I plucked up the courage to speak up. "Jerome, can you have her stay at a hotel?"

Jerome froze, and a second later, his brow furrowed. "Her foot is hurt, and you want her to stay at a hotel? You used to be so sensible. Don't make things difficult for me."

Cindy covered her mouth with a gasp. "Jerome, are you crazy? How could you speak to Demi like that over me?"

She turned her eyes back to me. "Demi is an avoidant. Aren't you afraid she'll actually run off?"

Jerome swept a glance over the apartment and let out a light laugh. "This is her home. Where else could she possibly run to?"

I nodded, offering no argument.

Turning on my heel, I walked into the master bedroom and pulled my passport out from under the bed.

The world was vast and wide. What made him think I had nowhere else to go?