Chapter 3: Where She Belongs Now

I ruined Derek’s birthday party. Word would spread by sunrise. Atlanta society loved a scandal more than bourbon. There’d be think pieces in the local magazine before breakfast.

But Derek didn’t care much. He just shrugged, already bored. It was like my outburst was just another story for his friends over whiskey.

The house manager started ushering guests out, staff cleaning up the mess. Jeff, always calm, moved quickly, waiters sweeping glass, guests muttering goodbyes, and the band packing up.

That beautiful woman stayed, quietly by Derek’s side, her eyes lowered the way kids do when they’ve learned not to talk back. Her presence was a statement—unapologetic, unmoved by the disaster.

Even her mannerisms echoed Lila. It was haunting, the way she smiled softly, never meeting my gaze. Derek looked at her like Lila had come back from the dead.

My hands still shook, my dress stained with wine. The contrast was obvious, and the whispers would follow me for weeks.

Derek played with her fingers, glancing at me. He twined his hand through hers, casual as breathing. Then, without looking at me, he tossed out, "Why are you so upset?"

His voice was flat, like he couldn’t imagine why I’d care.

"If you don’t want to see her, I’ll have her stay somewhere else."

He flicked a dismissive hand, my feelings just an afterthought.

"Relax, I promised Grandma Carol—I’ll never take away your title as Mrs. Langley."

That was supposed to comfort me. My worth was the title—something to keep, not cherish.

The woman turned, voice sugary-sweet. "Mrs. Langley, why get upset? A man like Derek’s never going to have just one woman. I just admire Derek; I won’t get in your way."

It wasn’t even a real apology, just a statement—like I was supposed to be grateful for her courtesy.

I took off my ring and set it on the table in front of Derek. My hands didn’t tremble. The gold band made a soft thunk on the oak.

His eyebrows shot up, eyes narrowing like he was finally interested.

"I’m giving your ring back," I said, quiet but clear. For the first time, everyone listened.

Derek picked up the ring, spun it on his finger, and tossed it high—showing off for the crowd. The diamond flashed under the chandelier, then landed back in his hand. He tossed it to the woman behind him. "Here, a ring worth a fortune. Mrs. Langley says she doesn’t want it, so she doesn’t want it."

He didn’t even look at me. She caught it, startled but smiling.

Derek stood, sneering, and told Jeff, "Find someone to teach her some manners. I don’t want to see a scene like this again."

He took a few steps, then turned back. The room hushed. He threw his own ring on the floor. It clattered, rolling across the hardwood and stopping at my feet.

"If you don’t want the rings, then toss them both." His voice was cold, final. He left me there, surrounded by broken glass and promises.