Chapter 1

Just before I reached the front gate, Dominic called after me.

"Mia. Take off the ring. Alina likes it."

That ring had been his promise to me. It was worth a fortune, and I'd worn it on my finger for five years. I was used to its weight.

But once love was gone, even the most expensive token was just a cold piece of metal.

Besides, I hadn't forgotten what happened the last time I refused to give Alina what she wanted. I'd refused to hand over my sunglasses in the desert. He left me out there. It took me three days on foot to find my way back.

I slid the ring off without hesitation and put it on Alina's finger.

"I hope you and Dominic last forever."

Dominic's voice softened a little.

"Mia, if you behave, you can still live here with us. Alina and I are both used to you taking care of us."

Alina shook the ring off her finger before he'd even finished. She held up her hand. Her eyes filled with tears.

"Dominic, it hurts. I'm allergic to metal."

There was a red rash on her finger where the ring had sat.

Dominic turned on me, furious.

"I just told you Alina has sensitive skin. And you put an allergen on her anyway!"

He didn't look at me again. He scooped Alina up like she was made of glass and barked at the housekeeper to call the family doctor.

The servants watched me with quiet amusement, enjoying the contrast.

I almost laughed too.

Yesterday, he'd brought Alina home and cooked dinner himself. He'd carefully avoided every one of her allergens. He just hadn't bothered to remember that I was allergic to pepper, and he'd put it in everything.

I went into anaphylactic shock and collapsed on the kitchen floor, foaming at the mouth.

He hadn't looked at me. He'd taken Alina's hand and stepped over my body on the way out.

The last thing I heard before I passed out was him telling the housekeeper, "Clean this up. I don't want it to ruin Alina's appetite."

I tightened my grip on the suitcase handle and turned to leave. Dominic grabbed my wrist.

"Apologize."

"What—"

He didn't let me finish. He dragged me down to my knees in front of Alina.

My body still hadn't recovered. The room kept tilting. I covered my mouth. I was going to be sick.

Dominic dropped my hand like it disgusted him.

"If you hadn't put that ring on her without asking, she wouldn't be having a reaction. Don't you think you owe her an apology?"

From anyone else, that accusation would have been laughable.

But I'd been with Dominic for nine years. I'd learned to apologize for everything.

Sorry for not pressing his shirt right.

Sorry for not being eager enough in bed.

Sorry for walking in on him and Alina flirting when I brought him lunch at the office.

The reasons didn't have to make sense. If he wanted an apology, no reason was required at all.

I clenched my fists.

I bowed three times to Alina, exactly the way one was supposed to. I said "I'm sorry" three times, clearly and slowly.

Then I turned to Dominic calmly.

"Is that enough?"