Chapter 4Mending Gems Breaking Billionaires

The night before we were scheduled to sign the marriage papers, Gia moved into our penthouse.

Lennon stood in the doorway of the master bedroom, pointing inside. "You're sleeping in the guest room tonight. Gia has trouble sleeping in strange places, and this custom mattress is the only firmness that works for her spine. You’re the host; make some sacrifices for our guest."

That custom mattress was the one I had spent months researching and importing from Sweden to accommodate the chronic lower back pain Lennon suffered from.

I didn’t argue. I just turned and walked down the hall.

"Where are you going?" he called out.

"The study. I have paperwork."

"Good. Be productive. Behave yourself, and I’ll buy you something nice after we sign the papers tomorrow."

I walked into the study and locked the heavy oak door behind me.

I opened my laptop, connected to the printer, and printed out a single document. Then, I opened the wall safe. I took out my bank cards, the property deeds in my name, and every single piece of expensive jewelry I had accumulated over the last eight years.

I dragged a large cardboard box out from the closet and unceremoniously dumped everything inside. I taped it shut and slapped a shipping label on the top.

The delivery address was the National Women’s Charity Foundation.

Deep into the night, the muffled sounds of Gia’s giggles drifted through the walls from the master suite.

I sat on the floor of the study. From my pocket, I pulled out a cubic zirconia replica ring—a cheap, flawless fake. I set it dead in the center of the mahogany desk.

I had sold the real diamond engagement ring months ago to buy better restoration equipment. He had never even noticed.

The next morning, Lennon emerged from the master bedroom. He walked into the kitchen and slid a plate toward me.

"Eat up. Then head to the museum. Today is your big debut. Don't humiliate me."

I looked down. It was the leftover half of Gia’s breakfast delivery. Gia didn't eat carbs, so Lennon was tossing the bread to me.

Years ago, if we shared a single piece of toast, he used to meticulously cut the crusts off just the way I liked before giving me the larger half.

"I’m going to announce our engagement officially at the exhibition today," Lennon said, adjusting his Tom Ford tie in the hallway mirror. "I'm giving you the ultimate validation. You must be thrilled."

I picked up the half-eaten sandwich and dropped it into the trash can by my feet.

Lennon paused, his hands freezing on his tie. "Camille. What is your problem?"

I stood up, pulling a paper towel from the dispenser to wipe my hands. "No problem at all. In fact, I’ve prepared a massive surprise for you today, Lennon. I guarantee it will be an event you will never, ever forget."

He blinked, surprised, and then a smug grin spread across his face. "I knew you'd come around. Finally learning how to be a proper partner. Alright. I’m looking forward to it."

As we headed for the door, Gia squeezed past me in the entryway. The sharp stiletto heel of her shoe stepped squarely onto the toe of my pristine white pump.

She left a dark, scuffed footprint right across the leather.

"Oh! My gosh, Camille, I'm so sorry, I didn't even see you standing there," Gia gasped, covering her mouth in mock horror.

Lennon barely glanced down. He sighed impatiently. "Out with the old, in with the new. Change into some flats anyway; you’re going to be working backstage all day. Heels are completely inappropriate for staff."

I stared at the ruined white shoe. Slowly, I slipped it off and laced up a pair of nondescript running sneakers.

As I walked out, I pulled the penthouse key off my ring and dropped it silently down the storm drain by the curb. I headed for the Met.