Page 27 of Storybook Christmas

That’s when I see it. Something’s sparkling under the disco ball lighting—something on Annabelle’s left finger.

Myprincess-cut full carat diamond, set in a double-halo white gold band.

Itwasmine, wasn’t it?

I stand, frozen, as my world spins clean off its axis. I want to slip away, without a word, because I can’t imagine letting anyone see me crushed into a million pieces.

But something keeps me here, like my feet are stuck to the floor with an invisible epoxy.

Maybe it’s the new me that can’t stand the old me who was so non-confrontational, proper, and naive that I couldn’t see the outrageous betrayal that was happening right before my eyes.

Now, the rose-colored glasses are long gone, and the room takes on a shade of coal as the pain hardens the places of my heart that never knew hurt like this before now.

My vision blurs, and my feet move on their own as I march up to Joshua and tap his shoulder. He spins around, and I stare into his eyes as I fight to keep my voice calm. “You had that ring when we were together, Joshua.”

His lips twitch, but there’s a hollowness in his eyes. No sympathy. No spark. Nothing.

He shifts on his feet. “Sorry, Lacy. I wanted to tell you—”

“Stop. Don’t.” I shake my head numbly. “You were my everything. Itrustedyou.” My brain flashes through our memories like a flip book, especially those last months with him. How he’d become so distant. How he’d started working late almost every night. How he’d jerked his phone away from me when I was going to glance at it. I no longer have any control of my voice, nor the care to try, when I scream, “Waseverythinga lie?” I swat a shaky hand. “You know what? It doesn’t matter.” My voice turns to acid when I yell, “You’re just an average editor, a liar, and a cheater. You’re pathetic.”

I realize that I’ve made a scene to end all scenes when the entire room stands in stunned silence.

And I don’t care.

But I can’t inhale, and I have to get out of here.

I spin around and fly out of the room, not wanting to give Joshua the pleasure of seeing me cry.

11

The Deal Breaker

I MAKE ITout of the rotating doors of the Opulence and stand on the sidewalk, welcoming the cold. It feels good against my burning cheeks and skin.

Through a blur of tears, I take in the scene around me—the garlands wrapped around the streetlamps. The Christmas lights on the storefronts that twinkle a yellow glow. The smell of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and baking bread in air from The Upper Crust making their holiday loaves.

Is that why Isaac Sutton rubber-stamped Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reinbot? Because Joshua’s sleeping with his daughter?

More pieces of the puzzle snap into place.

Annabelle’s the reason, after six years together, Joshua dumped me. And why he got the promotion to senior editor.

“Lacy.” It’s Finn.

I turn, the tears tumbling down my cheeks. I don’t wipe them away. Waving my hand, I say, “This would all be so amazing. It’s the perfect winter night with Christmas in the air.” I shiver.

“It really is.” He takes off his jacket. “Take this. You forgot yours.”

Oh, I did forget mine—I hadn’t noticed. “Thank you.”

He puts his jacket over my shoulders.

After a quiet moment, he says, “I just texted Bertha asking her to grab your coat when she leaves. She said she’ll do it, but she wants you to call her as soon as you feel like talking.”

“Thank you. And okay.” I sniff.

“Mo Cheese?”

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