He hesitated briefly, his expression conflicted, but then forced his voice firm. “It’s just a necklace. Since Sophia likes it, she can have it. I’ll get you a new one.”
“Replace it?” I laughed, but tears streamed down my face. “How do you replace my mother’s keepsake?”
I stepped forward, reaching to snatch the necklace from Sophia’s neck. She screamed and darted behind Ethan.
“Ethan!”
He blocked me, his grip on my wrist so tight it felt like he would crush the bone.
“Lily Evans! Enough!”
The searing pain in my wrist jolted me back to clarity.
I looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but his defense of her, and suddenly I didn’t want to fight anymore.
I yanked my arm free, stepped back, and cast one last long look at the necklace.
“Ethan Cole, we’re finished.”
At some point, rain had begun pouring outside the window.
The icy drops hit my face and body as I drove through the storm, tears blurring my vision.
I no longer wanted the necklace. And I no longer wanted Ethan.
Halfway home, my phone rang. Ethan’s name flashed on the screen.
When I answered, his voice held an edge of concern.
“Lily, are you home yet? The news says there’s a huge storm in New York City tonight. Don’t go out unless you have to.”
Before he could finish, Sophia’s coy voice cut in.
“Ethan, enough. Lily’s such a strong woman, she can handle herself. I’m the one who’s terrified of thunder and lightning—hold me tighter.”
Nausea twisted in my stomach. I hung up immediately.
