These days, he was busy looking after his future mother-in-law-Elodie doubted he’d even bother to reply if he saw her messages.

But the appointment at city hall was already set, and the Thorne family ring still hadn’t been returned. Once the marriage certificate was signed, getting the heirloom back would only become more difficult.

She was done getting tangled up with Jarrod.

If he refused to give it back…

She’d take him to court.

Elodie reached out to Esmeralda, asking her to help find a good lawyer. She planned to bring the attorney with her to city hall on Monday. If they could settle things amicably, all the better. If not-see you in court.

She was determined to end this marriage-and keep the Thorne family heirloom.

When Esmeralda found out the city hall appointment was finally happening, she couldn’t help but quip, “Getting divorced the day after Valentine’s Day? That’s a new one. You’re really breaking records here!”

Elodie said nothing.

She hadn’t shared the details with Esmeralda. With Esmeralda’s fiery personality, the last thing Elodie needed was her friend on a rampage.

Esmeralda, in high spirits, suggested, “You finally made it through! Tonight, dinner’s on me-let’s celebrate!”

For once, Elodie felt herself relax. “Sure.”

Sunday.

Cara, the housekeeper at the marital home, called Elodie.

“Ma’am, Keith dropped off a huge box yesterday and said it was yours. I peeked inside there are lots of unopened men’s clothes and such. Should I wash them, or will you come iron them?”

Elodie frowned. She hadn’t expected this. “What kind of clothes?”

“Keith said they’re gifts you bought for Mr. Silverstein-been sitting in his office all this time. His assistant said Mr. Silverstein thought they were taking up space, so he sent them back for you to deal with.”

Elodie’s mind cleared. She remembered asking Keith to deliver things to Jarrod before. No wonder she’d never seen him use any of it. They’d just gathered dust in his office all this time.

Well, it wasn’t her problem anymore.

“You can throw them out,” Elodie said, her voice calm.

She used to iron Jarrod’s shirts herself; Cara was so used to it, she still called her about his clothes.

Cara sounded shocked. “But they’re all brand new! And some are—”

“Cara,” Elodie cut her off gently, “you don’t have to ask me about his things anymore. Deal with them however you like.”

She hung up.

Pulling open the curtains, she felt lighter, as if a weight had finally lifted. Monday.

Elodie was up early, gathering everything she’d need: her ID, documents, and all the essentials.

Jarrod had set the appointment for nine. Her apartment was more than ten kilometers from city hall, and she worried traffic might make her late.

So she grabbed her bag and caught the subway.

She left at 7:30, and by the time she arrived at city hall, it was barely 8:30.

Elodie hated making people wait—she preferred being early.

Once she arrived, she texted Jarrod: [I’m here.]

She picked up a ticket number and waited in the lobby.

Time dragged on.

Nine o’clock approached.

Esmeralda’s lawyer had already arrived, but Jarrod was nowhere to be seen.

Unable to resist, Elodie finally called him.

The moment she dialed, she was met with a cold, automated voice: “We’re sorry. The number you have dialed is not in service…”

Elodie frowned.

Not in service?

She tried again.

Still the same message.

Her heart thudded with unease.

When would a number suddenly become invalid?

While she was still reeling from the anxiety that something had gone wrong, a

familiar, emotionless voice sounded behind her.

“Sorry. Something came up-I’m late.”