"I wanted to be civil about this, maybe even keep you for when Stacy became too much," he whispered as he opened the door. "But now I see you're not worth the trouble."

He tossed me out into the cold and slammed the door in my face.

I banged on the door, screaming for my keys and wallet, but Vincent ignored me.

I was left outside with no way to get into my car and no money to get a hotel room.

With nothing left to do, I made my way into the street, hoping to hitchhike my way to a friend's house.

A car pulled up beside me, and I sighed in relief when I saw the familiar face of Sebastian's assistant, Mattew.

I got into the car, and he drove me away from the life I had worked so hard to build, with nothing but the clothes on my back.

Lily's POV

We arrived at Sebastian's home a few hours later.

I was welcomed with a warm shower, fresh clothes, and dinner he insisted on having with me.

Sebastian rolled into the dining room as casually as he would have strolled in.

I tried not to stare at his legs, covered by a blanket, as he took his place at the table.

He had saved me from spending the night on the street, and I was about to ask him to stick his neck out for me. The least I could do was be respectful about what might be an insecurity for him.

After dinner, we moved to the lounge to drink and talk over a crackling fire.

I told him everything, and he listened, patient and attentive.

I couldn't help but compare him to Vincent, who always became the busiest man in the world when I wanted to talk, even though I was the one doing most of the work.

"Unless you can get proof he forged your signatures, the only way to get everything is to buy them back."

I sighed, exhausted both physically and mentally. "I don't have the money to buy back everything."

And I wouldn't pay Vincent a dime for what was rightfully mine.

"But I do. As well as the resources to have Vincent investigated for fraud."

I stared at him, contemplative. "You would do that for a stranger?"

He brought out a ring box from his housecoat pocket and held it out to me. "I would do that and more for my wife."

I took the box and opened it to reveal a stunning ring. It was a little more subtle than Stacy's ring, but to me, it was far more beautiful.

I slipped it on, and it fit, the heart-shaped emerald complimenting me perfectly.

"I can't get on my knee, unfortunately..."