Elizabeth’s fingers trembled as she switched off her phone screen, a wave of humiliation crashing over her. The revelation stung deeply, leaving her utterly devastated.
Elijah remained calm, his gaze deliberately averted, offering no comment.
Tension coiled within Elizabeth like a spring wound too tight, an unspoken anxiety simmering just beneath the surface. She couldn’t predict when or how it would finally snap.
His eyes drifted to the simple diamond necklace resting against her collarbone. Abruptly shifting the subject, he remarked, “It doesn’t quite suit you. Allow me to propose an alternative.”
“Excuse me?” Elizabeth blinked, momentarily startled.
Elijah had already retrieved a velvet box from his jacket pocket. With practiced finesse, he flipped it open, revealing an exquisite pink diamond necklace.
Even in the car’s dim lighting, the gem’s intricate facets caught and reflected an almost otherworldly radiance.
Elizabeth accepted the necklace without protest. Deep down, she knew this gesture was purely performative—a means to uphold the James family’s flawless reputation. She had no intention of keeping it, merely indulging in a fleeting moment of luxury.
After all, their impending divorce would render such moments obsolete.
As she tried to fasten the necklace, her fingers fumbled awkwardly behind her neck, struggling to secure the delicate clasp.
Unexpectedly, Elijah leaned in closer, gently taking the necklace from her hands. His proximity was disarming—his signature woody cologne surrounded her, his breath warm against her skin.
His fingers brushed her neck with a tenderness that sent an involuntary shiver through her.
The moment dissolved as quickly as it had come; Elijah fastened the necklace with practiced efficiency and retreated to his seat.
Flustered, Elizabeth turned to the window, hoping to mask the heat rising to her cheeks. She chastised herself silently for her visceral reaction. How pathetic! She reasoned, I simply lack experience with men. With time, such reactions would surely diminish.
The car pulled up to the James Mansion. Elijah stepped out first, thoughtfully shielding the car door’s edge with his hand.
Snapping out of her reverie, Elizabeth exited the car gracefully, her gown brushing against the cool evening air.
As she stepped out, the gathered socialites momentarily froze, their expressions flickering with surprise, envy, and poorly concealed resentment.
During her marriage, Elizabeth had rarely dressed to impress, favoring comfort over style. Initially celebrated for her beauty, she had gradually faded into near invisibility, treated more as a household fixture than a person.
