Chapter 1 . " Ma'am , seen the whole collection now ? Nothing catches your eye ? " " Ma'am ? " Rosalind Johansen blinked , pulled from her thoughts . Her finger landed at random on a diamond necklace . " This one . Wrap it up . " Relief washed over the clerk's face . " Right away . " A wave of satisfaction rippled through the boutique staff . Rosalind's daily visits for three months were legendary . " Ms. Johansen , " one associate ventured , envy clear in her voice , " your husband must cherish you ! Treating jewels like everyday trinkets … Incredible . " " They're right , " another added . " Follow the money , find the love . A man spending like that ? He's utterly devoted . " " Rich and a hopeless romantic . Life truly favors you , Ms. Johansen … " Rosalind offered a thin , distant smile at the flattery . Her attention stayed fixed on the associate across the room , the one quietly packaging her purchase , not jostling for favor . Her hands were particularly striking , delicate , pale , and graceful . Rosalind felt a flicker of self - disgust , like some kind of stalker . She needed to see up close the woman who'd shattered her husband's famed self - control . What magic did this ordinary shop girl possess to make her husband discard their fifteen years together , trample every sacred vow , and choose her ? The associate's name was Latoya Middleton . Her face wasn't classically beautiful , just pleasant . But those hands were exquisite , delicate , and perfectly formed . Even a woman could appreciate them . It was no wonder a man would be captivated . As Rosalind was leaving , she asked , " Could you do me a favor ? " As a top - tier VIP client , the answer was always yes . She slid the ring off her ring finger and handed it to the associate . " Melt this down for me , please . " The associate looked shocked . " But … this is your wedding ring ? And … it looks like there's an inscription ? " There was indeed an inscription : CF and RJ , the initials of Christopher Foret and Rosalind Johansen . Christopher had engraved it himself . The associate double - checked , " Ms. Johansen , this ring must hold such significance . Are you sure you want it melted ? " 19:51 0.0 % Chapter 1 " Yes " Rosalind stated firmly . " Tease do it as soon as possible . " Rosalind arrived home as evening fell . She had barely stepped through the front door when Christopher barreled out , nearly knocking her over . She stumbled back several steps , almost losing her balance . Luckily , a strong hand shot out and caught her around the waist , preventing the fall . Christopher frowned , a light sheen of sweat on his brow . " Where were you ? Why are you only getting home now ? " " Yes , Mrs. Foret , " chimed in Liza Lester , their housekeeper . " It's past seven . You should let Mr. Foret know if you'll be out late . He was ready to call the police … " Standing slightly behind Christopher was his assistant , Joshua Pruitt . Seeing her , Joshua visibly relaxed and spoke into his phone . " Sir , my apologies . Mrs. Foret is home now . Thank you for your time . " Christopher leaned down slightly , quickly scanning her for any sign of harm . Seeing she was unhurt , the tension in his face eased a fraction . " Your phone was off . I thought something had happened to you . " He instinctively reached out to touch her cheek , then frowned again . " You're freezing . " Rosalind pushed his hand away and moved past him into the house . " Just needed some air . Felt stifled in here . My phone died . " Christopher caught up in two strides , shrugging off his suit jacket and draping it around her shoulders as he guided her inside . " The wind picks up at night. Don't catch a chill . " Rosalind tried to pull away , but his arm held firm . She stopped resisting . Once inside , Christopher started issuing orders . " Liza , make Rosa hot coffee to warm her up . " Then he turned to Joshua . " Go to Blossom Eatery . Get her usual favorites . Tell them easy on the salt and sugar . " " Right away , Mr. Foret . " Soon , they were alone in the living room . Christopher kept his arm firmly around her shoulders , a gesture both possessive and protective . His voice , however , was gentle . " I was a bit frantic earlier . I'm sorry if I sounded harsh , Rosa . Please don't be angry . " Chanter 3