The Ring Beside the Champagne
Chapter 02 - The Ring Beside the Champagne
The blonde woman introduced herself as Madison Cole.
She was twenty-eight, worked in event planning, and apparently knew Claire’s house better than a guest should.
Madison knew where the towels were kept.
She knew which outdoor cabinet held the champagne glasses.
She even knew the code to the side gate.
Claire understood immediately that this was not one reckless afternoon.
“How long?” she asked.
Evan stepped between them.
“We should discuss this privately.”
Madison laughed bitterly.
“Privately? You told me she already knew.”
Claire looked at her husband.
Evan closed his eyes.
Madison picked up the diamond ring.
“He proposed three weeks ago.”
The words landed softly, but they changed the air around the pool.
Claire had been married to Evan for twelve years.
They had built a luxury hospitality company together from one neglected inn and a bank loan signed against Claire’s inheritance.
She had spent the past month in Paris negotiating the company’s largest international partnership.
While she worked, Evan had been planning another marriage.
Claire removed her own wedding ring.
She placed it beside Madison’s.
“Which one of us did you intend to marry?”
Evan said nothing.
May you like
Madison stared at him.
That silence answered them both.
