Chapter 5

The next afternoon, Alexandra went to Drennan Manor.

She brought along the antique sapphire-and-diamond jewelry set Ron's mother had given her as a wedding gift. It was supposedly a family heirloom.

Unfortunately, Ron's parents had left for a month-long vacation on Mirevara Island that morning. Alexandra left the jewelry with the butler and went on her way.

After a trip to the spa and some shopping, she headed home with more than a dozen new pairs of earrings.

The living room lights were on.

Ron was sitting on the couch, gift boxes piled high on the coffee table. When she walked in, he set his phone aside and glanced up.

"I heard you returned the family heirloom?"

"Yeah."

Ron sighed and scooted closer. "Still mad at me? Come on, Lexi. Look at all these presents I got you. Can't you forgive me this once?"

Even after she'd returned his family's heirloom, he still thought this was just another fight. It hadn't even crossed his mind that she might be leaving him for good.

He was so sure of her love, so certain she'd never leave, that he thought he could get away with anything.

He'd even had the nerve to suggest they see other people, then carried on with one woman after another, breaking her heart each time.

Alexandra said nothing. Her gaze fell on the familiar logo on the gift boxes, and a flicker of bitter amusement crossed her face.

"If you're going to give me presents, at least make sure they're just for me."

Ron looked startled. Clearly, he hadn't expected her to find out he'd bought Melissa the same gifts.

"Lexi, you've got it all wrong. I really wanted to make it up to you, so I asked Melissa to help me pick out some presents. She liked them too, so I bought a set for each of you. Do you really have to get upset over something so small?"

Something so small.

There it was again, that same dismissive phrase Alexandra had grown so sick of hearing.

She swept the gift boxes off the table.

"So you can buy the same gifts for every woman. What about your love? Do we all get a share of that, too? Ron, what I regret most is..."

Her eyes filled with tears.

She regretted ever believing him. More than anything, she regretted marrying him.

Ron knew what she meant, even without her finishing the sentence. He got to his feet and caught her hand.

"Lexi, you have to understand. You're the only woman I love. Why else would I have married you? Just give me a few more years. That's all I'm asking. Once I've had my fun, I promise I'll come back to you."

More of the same empty promises. Alexandra was done listening.

She pulled her hand free and replied flatly, "Fine. I'll wait."

Seeing her expression soften, Ron took it as a sign that she'd forgiven him. He visibly relaxed, then bent to gather the gifts scattered across the floor and handed them to her.

Alexandra knew he'd misunderstood, but she let him believe what he wanted. She took the gifts and went upstairs.

She was waiting for their divorce to be final, not for Ron to come to his senses.

Alexandra's birthday was coming up.

Although Ron's parents were still away on vacation, they hadn't forgotten. They'd arranged for an exquisite tiara set with precious stones to be flown in from Asteron as a gift for their daughter-in-law.

It was delivered to Drennan Group headquarters.

When Alexandra heard about the gift, she considered telling Ron's parents she'd already signed the divorce papers. But she didn't want to ruin their vacation, so she kept quiet.

She went to Drennan Group to collect the tiara. It was in Ron's office, but he was in a meeting, so she went in alone.

The moment she opened the door, she found Melissa wearing the glittering tiara, its wrapping already torn off.

Melissa looked startled for a moment, then quickly put on her usual frightened, innocent expression.

"Mrs. Drennan, what are you doing here?"

Alexandra had no patience for her act. She walked over and reached for the tiara.

"I'm here for what's mine."

Jealousy and resentment flashed in Melissa's eyes. She tightened her grip on the tiara, refusing to let go.

Melissa must really want it.

Alexandra was about to let go when Melissa deliberately pricked her finger on one of the tiara's sharp points.

Blood welled at her fingertip. She immediately slumped onto the couch and began to sob softly.

"Mrs. Drennan, I just thought the tiara was so pretty. I only wanted to look at it a little longer. Why would you do this to me?"