Chapter 0008

Albert was still eyeing the salesman with an authoritative stare. The man was rushing now to remove the necklace from the case, and held it out to me. Suddenly it didn’t look so appealing and pretty.

“I wish you wouldn’t make this into such a thing,” I said to Albert quietly, waving off the necklace.

“You’re my wife now, in every sense except the paperwork. You agreed to the terms. You’ll need to learn to adjust to being Mrs. Derek, and Mrs. Derek does not tolerate, nor should she, any disrespect. You’re better than that.”

Everyone was still staring.

The manager, who had noticed the scene, came forward and began his own spew of apologies to us both.

“Miss, please, if you’ll allow me,” he gushed, taking my arm and leading me toward an especially glittery case in the middle of the store.

Albert, however, seemed satisfied with the flood of respect and reverence. The manager began opening the cases and pulling out rings as big as walnuts, setting them in a bright sharp line on the top of