Chapter 10 . " Where did his heart truly lie ? Split down the middle ? I couldn't fathom it , " she thought . " Oh ! " Liza suddenly exclaimed , clapping her hands with delight . " Mrs . Foret's been moody lately , and now this sickness … Could it be you're pregnant ? " Christopher froze , then his face lit up with pure clation . " Rosa , are you … " " No , " Rosalind cut him off flatly . " It was just a bad smell . Made me nauseous . " " We should still get checked … " " Christopher ! " Rosalind snapped , her voice low and sharp . " Have you touched me once in the last three months ? Don't pretend you don't know ! " The absurdity of it struck her . For months , Christopher had rarely been home for meals , claiming business dinners . She hadn't thought much of it . A man in his position was constantly courted . Then , one day , while she was watching TV , a line jumped out . " If a man isn't hungry when he gets home , he probably ate elsewhere . " That simple phrase ripped open a brutal truth : Time meant nothing to fidelity . People changed . The love they'd shared was real then . His feelings for someone else were real now . Christopher's expression darkened . " So that's why you've been upset . Rosa , I'm sorry . Work has been insane . I've neglected you . I promise , starting tonight , I'll be home for dinner . Every night . Okay ? " " Not necessary , " Rosalind said coldly . " Don't let me interfere with your priorities . " " Don't be like that , Rosa . " " Am I , Christopher ? Am I just being difficult ? " Christopher's gaze flickered away , evasive . " I'm not quite sure what you mean . " Rosalind's eyes locked onto his wrist . There , a simple red braided cord served as a bracelet . It bore no gems , no diamonds , possessing only a plain , rustic charm . The craftsmanship appeared slightly crude , clearly handmade . A single small charm lay against the cord , a delicate crescent moon . Christopher noticed her sight . He explained , " Oh , that ? Easter's coming up . HR handed them out . Everyone in the office got one . " Rosalind looked away . " Is that so ? " " Do you like it ? I can have HR get you one tomorrow . " " No. I don't like wearing jewelry . " 19:52 8.9 % < Chapter 10 . Meri Christopher nodded . " I know . You hate feeling restricted . Necklaces , bracelets , rings , earrings … none of it . Makes birthdays and anniversaries impossible . " " There is one thing I want . " He leaned in , eager . " What ? Anything . Name it . " " I want to buy a minor planet . Name it after me . " Christopher grinned , pulling out his phone . " Easy . I'll have Joshua handle it right … " " No need . I've already found one . The paperwork's ready . Just needs your signature for the bank transfer . " Christopher nodded . " Where do I sign ? I'll do it now . " " It's not urgent . They'll mail the documents . I'll bring them to you then . " " Alright . " Rosalind said , " I need to change . Could you give me a moment ? " Christopher chuckled . " After all these years ? There's nothing I haven't seen . " " I prefer privacy when I change . " He pressed a kiss to her forehead , radiating indulgent affection . " Whatever you want , sweetheart . I'll be waiting in the dining room . Don't take too long . " " Mmm . " Christopher left . Liza followed . Alone , Rosalind pulled out her phone and opened Instagram . The first post was Latoya's . " I like the moon and its companion star , ever - present , ever - bright . Today I almost lost you . Thankfully , someon special was there to bring you back to me . " The photo showed Latoya's famously beautiful hands . Around one wrist was a nearly identical rough red cord bracelet . The charm dangling from it was a star , the perfect match to Christopher's crescent moon . Rosalind picked up the box of photo albums . One by one , she set fire to them . When only ashes remained , she swept the gray flakes into the toilet and flushed them away . Chapter 11 . Chapter 11 .