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
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