Chapter 20 - The engagement ring
I ended the engagement the night after the assault.
Not dramatically.
Victoria was released pending proceedings under conditions.
Her attorney arranged collection of essentials.
She asked to speak.
Miriam advised against discussing the criminal incident.
I agreed to one logistical conversation with lawyers present.
Victoria sat across from me.
No diamonds except the engagement ring.
She said:
“You loved her before me.”
“Yes.”
“That’s why you believe her.”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Camera.”
She flinched.
“You think one moment defines me?”
“No.”
“What does?”
“Choices around it.”
She stared.
“I was terrified.”
“So was Lily.”
There.
Victoria looked away.
Then:
“I found Warren’s file because your attorneys gave my prenup team access.”
“Yes.”
“I was trying to protect us.”
“By not telling me I had a possible daughter?”
“I didn’t know.”
“You knew enough to hire Grace into the house.”
Silence.
“Yes.”
I looked at the ring.
“You should keep it until counsel says what the property agreement requires.”
She almost laughed.
“No movie gesture?”
“No.”
Weeks later, the ring was returned under the engagement-property terms.
It went into a safe.
Eventually sold at auction.
No throwing it into a lake.
May you like
Objects are not guilty.
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