“Aren’t you forgetting something?” (Patreon)

Back in the penthouse after the Trentham Ball.

At some point, she glanced at her reflection and saw that she looked as horrible as she felt. Bloodshot, swollen eyes, her fake eyelashes barely hanging on, patches of foundation missing, lipstick smeared. She looked ridiculous wearing a pink tracksuit with the bling she forgot she was wearing. Feverishly, she slipped off the diamonds before she washed the remnants of this horrible night from her face.

She braced her hands on the vanity, face dripping over the sink, as she tried to center herself. Her insides were as calm as a blizzard and just as clear. When she reached for a towel, she froze when she saw a dark figure behind her. Somehow, Roth had already changed out of the tux and was dressed in jeans and a long coat. She dabbed her face, eyes downcast.

“You don’t have to come with me,” she said quietly.

He didn’t reply.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” she added as she tossed moisturizer into her bag.

Still nothing.

She reached down, zipped her bag, and slid the long strap over her shoulder. She extended his bag to him, which he took. When she started for the door, he said, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

She glanced back at him and saw his gaze trained on the vanity. On top of the pile of diamonds was her wedding ring. He didn’t move until she slid it back on her finger.

“Let’s go.”

She didn’t ask questions, but followed him out of the master suite and back down the hallway to the elevator that would get her out of here.

**This is a raw draft of Bitter Confessions. Please do not share or distribute.