Chapter 2

Hank's laughter faded, but his eyes were full of scorn. "Hilarious, really hilarious. I thought today was going to be so dull, right before New Year's."

He pointed at my shoulder and smirked, "Until you, the clown, showed up.”

"Did prison make you that desperate to come out and try to charm Nancy?"

He yanked at my collar, revealing bruises.

"A jailbird and a loser, worse than a stray dog, and you dare to go after Nancy? You're even more shameless than your mom!"

When he brought up my mom, rage filled me. I grabbed his collar and stared him down.

"Clean up your act!"

Hank tipped his chin up at me, a taunting smile playing on his lips, laughter bursting out in short, sharp bursts. "We haven't seen each other in years, and you've gotten even more hot-tempered. What, didn't you enjoy the 'special treatment' I had arranged for you in prison?" he sneered.

My heart lurched as I spotted the ring on his chest: the wedding ring I once shared with Nancy. His eyes gleamed with triumph when he saw me staring. "Nancy's mine. Keep this up, and I'll have you locked up again."

I did not wait for him to finish. My fist flew, connecting with a thump. Hank howled, yanking off the ring and hurling it to the floor.

"Samuel!" Nancy's heels clicked rapidly as she rushed in, her voice sharp. "What's gotten into you?"

She shielded Hank, stopping my next punch cold. Then she shoved me hard, sending me crashing into the sink. I gasped at the sharp pain.

"Nancy, sorry... I forgot to take off the necklace. It made Samuel mad," Hank whined from her arms, his face a picture of fake sorrow.

I bit back my pain, trying to explain, but Nancy cut me off. "Enough, Samuel. You're making me sick. You think I don't know you?”

"Apologize to Hank now, or get out!"

I froze, the ache in my body nothing compared to the sting in my heart.

"Let it go, Nancy. We're all here for the New Year. I don't want to be the one who brings the mood down." Hank said.

She glared at me, her eyes blazing. "If you were half the man Hank is, you'd never have gone to jail."

The one who once loved me was then stabbing at my heart with every word.

She gently lifted Hank to his feet, but she did not even notice as she stepped on the ring beneath her.

I wanted to say so much, but the words just would not come out.

"Stay here and think about what you've done. When you're ready, go say sorry to Hank."

As I walked away, Hank gave me a little smirk.

The bathroom door slammed shut with a loud bang.

Tears burned in my eyes as loud, lively music played outside.

I picked up the diamond ring from the floor. It still sparkled under the lights, but it did not seem as bright as it used to be.

The cheers from outside made my head feel heavier, and my body was burning up.

Before I knew it, I was leaning against the cold wall, slipping into a dream.

In the dream, Nancy held me tight, telling me she believed in me and loved only me.

However, then, everything changed. She was in Hank's arms, calling me "number 147."

I woke up with a start, my forehead slick with cold sweat.

The room looked familiar but felt strange.

It was my old room, with a photo of Nancy and me still by the bed.

"Samuel, you're awake?" Nancy's voice came from beside me. She was peeling an apple, the skin falling away in one long strip.

Her eyes were so kind.

"I'm sorry I didn't come to get you yesterday. I just didn't think you'd be out so soon."

I listened to her weak excuse, my lips tight. I could not even pretend to smile.

"That ring..." She smiled softly. "I lost a bet and had to lend the ring to Hank.”

"However, that ring is old-fashioned. It's not good enough for you. Let's get a better one when we get married."

I had designed that ring for us. How could it be old-fashioned?

Rings were timeless, but her love for me had an expiration date.

My heart fluttered as I took the apple she offered, hesitating.

Just when I thought I was being too sensitive, Nancy's next words chilled me to the bone.

"Now that you're okay, let's go say sorry to Hank."