Austin once said this diamond ring symbolized eternal love, an unwavering love just like the feelings that he had for me.
The happiness I felt when I first wore that ring was now changed into despair when I took it off. The love that once ran so deep had faded and only left a shallow ring mark on my ring finger.
That night, when Austin returned home, he saw me sitting in the garden while staring blankly at the dim starry sky. He immediately noticed the half-burned wedding photo at my feet so he asked, "Baby, why are you burning our wedding photo?”
Without looking up even for a second, I replied calmly, “I’m tired of it. I want to make new ones. Can’t I?”
He stared at me for a long time, as if searching my vacant eyes for something. When my eyes remained lifeless as usual, he finally let out a relief breath, walked over and gently pulled me into his arms, then said, "Of course, Baby. You can have anything you want. We can take as many as you like if it makes you happy.
He held my hand tightly and talked with so much sweetness. He said that he would pluck all the stars from the sky for me. Of course, this did not stop him with Ruby.
Leaning against the wall, I listened to their muffled sounds of passion from the next room. Slowly, I poured the milk laced with sleeping pills into a potted plant and continued curling into a corner as I waited for the dawn to come.
Just one more day, Austin. After today, I’ll disappear from your life forever.
The next day, Austin sent someone to pick me up for a banquet.
I did not think too much about it when the makeup artist dressed me in a pale evening gown, but when I saw Austin escort Ruby hand in hand walking up the red carpet and she was wearing a striking red gown, I understood.
The crowd erupted in applause when they saw them. Beneath the spotlight, Ruby and Austin looked like a perfect match, as if they were made for each other.
Austin approached me through the crowd, kissed my hand and apologized, "I'm sorry, Baby. There are a lot of guests today and I might not be able to take care of you. Just stay here for a while, okay? I’ll come back to you soon.”
He was quickly called away and Ruby sauntered over to sit beside me, her smile both mocking and triumphant.
“Stop pretending. I know you’ve been able to see for a while now," she said. "However, I really admire your patience, though. To keep your position as Mrs. Sanders, you are really so tolerant. Even when I threw that condom into your bowl, you didn’t bat an eye. How really, Sally, what’s the point of you doing this?”
As she spoke, she extended her hand toward me. The brilliant diamond on her slender finger sparkled under the light.
“This …” My face turned pale as I recognized the ring I’d donated to the charity foundation yesterday.
"Surprised?"
