Chapter 44
Humiliation
Veronica’s POV
Shopping.
That was the only thing that could take my mind off Orthon. He left shortly after our conversation and even though it hurt me to see the broken look in his eyes, there was really nothing I could do about it.
It was for the best.
Despite my father’s insistence. I refused to take the guards with me. I could have easily just sent for the designers at home, but I just needed to get out of the house.
Rye’s Jewelry Store was my first destination. She made the best jewellery in town, and although she wasn’t as expensive as those at the top or hyped up, I genuinely loved her products.
Even while I was with Carter, she was the only jeweller I trusted, there was no need to abandon someone I had trusted for years simply because there was money now.
“Veronica!” The petite woman exclaimed the minute I stepped into the store. “I never thought I would see you again! They said you were dead!”
I chuckled, taking in her pale face.
“It was misinformation, Rye. As you can see, I am pretty much alive and well,” I said, and she took slow, sceptical steps towards me.
She touched me with a finger first to confirm I was real before pulling me
une a hug
“Oh, my chit I am so glad you are okay” She exclaimed
“I am happy to see you tone Anything new I need your best jewellery for a very important event.” I told her
Is it for you” She asked suspiciously “Or are you here again to shop for your mother–in–law? And where is that nonchalant husband of yours?”
She looked outside, beging to spot his car and I chuckled.
He is not here with me. Rye. We are no longer together,” I told her
Her features widened in surprises “Really? You finally left him?”
“Yes. Rye.” I laughed I finally left him.”
“That’s good. I know you are a private person and never talk about your relationship but you did deserve a lot better. Way better than a man who would bring you here to buy countless jewelry for his mother but never thought of changing those miserable earrings you wore every day!” She sand and I laughed
“Come on. Roe‘ Those were my mother’s. I still have them. They are my favourites.” I told her
“There you go again, subtly defending him. If you didn’t want earrings. what happened to bracelets and necklaces? Do you have an allergic reaction to those It would have been a totally different case if he didn’t have the money but man is a fucking multi–millionaire!” she said.
The please.. let me just see your new sets” If I laughed any more. I ld tear up. It hurt to think that I had been too blind to see that
“Wast here for me.” she gestured to a seat and I readily made myself comfortable. Don’t blame me. I was excited to shop for myself.
She returned with about five boxes of jewelry sets, and I was marvelled.
“Every kind you can think of Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, ruby…”
The doorbell rang but I didn’t really pay attention because I was too lost in admiring the jewellery
“I usually don’t shop here, but my husband insisted I come here because he buys all his jewellery from here. His ex–wife’s poor choice…”
My head immediately shot up on hearing Meghan’s voice.
You’ve got to be kidding me!
She wasn’t even alone but with my ever–lovely mother–in–law. I thought of just packing my things and leaving but on second thoughts, I decided to
stay.
I came here to shop, I shouldn’t run away simply because the two people who made my life miserable once upon a time were here.
You see, usually, I’ll go for bigger, and we’ll know brands; I don’t know what Carter sees in this…” Meghan ranted on.
My grip on the box tightened. A mere mistress was talking down on someone’s business as if she could build anything for herself.
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to take deep breaths. I had come here to enjoy myself, to distract myself from the chaos of my life, not to let Meghan and my former mother–in–law ruin my day. But their voices. carried, grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
“Oh. Meghan, don’t be so harsh,” my former mother–in–law said in her usual syrupy tone. “This place has charm. Carter always had a soft spot for… modesty.”
Modesty? Was that how she saw me? A “modest” ex–wife who wasn’t
good enough for her perfect son?
I tried to keep my head down, hoping they wouldn’t notice me. Rye, bless her heart, must have sensed my discomfort because she busied herself rearranging the jewellery sets and avoided looking their way.
“I suppose I’ll take whatever is the best here.” Meghan continued, her tone. dripping with condescension. “You know Carter wouldn’t want me wearing anything subpar. I have to look like the queen he deserves, after all.”
The words stung, but I refused to react. Let her think she’s a queen. A mistress–turned–wife doesn’t make royalty, no matter how much jewellery she piles on.
“Oh, Veronica!” Rye suddenly exclaimed, her voice cutting through the tension like a lifeline. “This ruby set would look divine on you!”
I froze. My heart thudded in my chest as both Meghan and my former. mother–in–law turned toward me.
“Well, well, well,” Meghan drawled, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Look who it is. I didn’t know ghosts shop for jewellery.”
I straightened my spine, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing met flinch. “Ghosts don’t, but apparently, gold diggers do,” I said coolly, meeting her gaze head–on.
Her smile faltered, and Carter’s mother let out a dramatic gasp. “Veronica, there’s no need to be uncivil,” she said, placing a hand on Meghan’s arm as though shielding her.
“Uncivil?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You mean like walking into someone’s favourite store and mocking their choices? Or, perhaps, stealing their husband and flaunting it in public?”
a
Meghan’s face turned red, but she quickly recovered, plastering on a smug expression. “Oh, honey, let’s not pretend Carter didn’t trade up. You were holding him back. With me. he can finally live the life he deserves.
I laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. “Is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night? That you’re an upgrade?”
“Ladies, please!” Carter’s mother interjected. her voice sharp. “This is neither the time nor the place for this kind of drama. Veronica, perhaps it s best if you leave. This store is clearly no longer your space.”
I stared at her. anger bubbling in my chest. “Excuse me? This store has been my space long before Meghan even knew how to spell ‘ruby.‘ I came here to shop, not to deal with either of you. If anyone should leave, it’s the people disrupting the peace.”
Rye, sensing the rising tension. stepped forward with an apologetic smile. “Why don’t we all take a breath? Meghan. Mrs. Grayson, if you’d like to browse over there, I’ll assist you shortly. Veronica is finalizing her selections.”
Meghan scoffed but allowed herself to be guided to another corner of the store. My former mother–in–law shot me a look of disapproval before following her.
“Thank you.” I murmured to Rye once they were out of earshot.
“Anything for you, Veronica,” she said with a kind smile. “Don’t let them ruin your day. You deserve to shine.”
“Keep telling her that. I guess it’s a good thing her sugar daddy could afford this cheap place for her,” Meghan snorted as she walked away.
What the fuck?
“I beg your pardon?”
She stopped walking. “You didn’t hear me? Maybe I should scream it out.”
My fists clenched by my side.
“I said it’s a good thing the man whom you shamelessly opened your legs. for whilst you were still married to Carter can afford to let you shop in your favourite cheap store while his wife is crying day and night, seeing his attention! Did you hear me now or should I also announce the name of the lucky man?” She yelled.
What the fuck was she talking about? It didn’t help that everyone in the store was now looking at me with disgusted looks.
“He must know how much slut you are for a billionaire like him to send. you here,” she added and all hell broke loose.
Chapter 45
