Dont you still think youll buy it yourself?
No ring! Andrew, can you hear me? Evelyn shouted, turning the bedroom inside out. My emeraldset ring is nowhere to be found!
She stood in the centre of the room, panting, surrounded by opened dresser drawers and boxes turned inside out. Her hands trembled with a panic that grew louder with each breath. The ring had been her pridebought with the prize money from her first major award, a reminder of how she had clawed her way to a senior position. Now it had vanished.
Andrew let out a weary sigh, finally tearing himself from his mobile.
Len, it couldnt have gone far. Youve just misplaced it. Youll remember when youre halfasleep.
I know exactly where I put it, Evelyn turned to him, her eyes blazing. Apart from the little jewellery box on the dresser I never put it anywhere else. Never. You know I always return things to their proper place.
Andrew waved a hand.
Itll turn up. Dont get worked up over nothing.
Nothing? Evelyns voice cracked. This isnt nothing, Andrew. Its precious It must be your sister who took it. Thats the only explanation!
Andrew frowned, set his phone down, and stared at her with a thinly veiled irritation.
Youre being dramatic again. Charlotte wouldnt do that.
Oh, really? Evelyn crossed her arms. Who else has been in our flat the past three months, poking around every corner while we were at work? I demand she returns the ring at once. Were going to her flat now.
Andrew pressed his palms to his face. Evelyn saw his shoulders tighten, his lips thin into a line. He clearly didnt want this trip, didnt want the scene. But she would not back down.
Len, maybe we shouldnt? Think about itwhy would she need your ring?
Because its beautiful and valuable. Lets go. Right now.
With Andrews reluctant sighs trailing them, they drove out of the leafy suburb of Henley into the countryside. Evelyn sat in the passenger seat, phone clenched in her fist, a storm brewing inside. Each kilometre felt like wading through syrup. Andrew remained silent, only throwing occasional sideways glances that held an unspoken rebuke.
An hour later they arrived at the Bennett family cottage. The house greeted them with a heavy hush. Evelyn was the first to step out of the car, marching straight to the front door.
Mrs. Bennett opened it and froze on the threshold, her face a mask of astonishment.
Andrew? Evelyn? What on earth? We werent expecting you.
Wheres Charlotte? Evelyn snapped, skipping pleasantries.
Shes at home, of course. She just arrived from your place yesterday, Mrs. Bennett said, stepping aside to let them in. Come in, something happened?
Evelyn swept into the sitting room where Mr. Bennett and Charlotte were seated at the table. Charlotte lifted her head, eyes widening at the sight of them.
Charlotte, you must give my ring back properly, Evelyn halted in the middle of the room. Otherwise things will get ugly. I wont let this slide.
A oppressive silence settled. Mr. Bennett rose slowly from his seat.
Who gave you licence to behave like that in someone elses house? his voice was low, threatening. Are you accusing our daughter of theft?
Im stating a fact, Evelyn pressed on, her throat tight. My emerald ring disappeared after Charlotte left. No one else has been in the flat.
Mrs. Bennett erupted.
My daughter would never steal! Youre insulting our entire family!
Then explain where my ring is. Hurry up, my patience is wearing thin.
Andrew stood by the doorway, pale and mute, his gaze flickering between his wife and his sister.
Suddenly Charlotte began to sob, her lower lip quivering, tears gathering.
I I just wanted to wear it for a moment. Its so pretty. Did you did you think Id be caught? I was going to put it back
Evelyn froze. She had braced for denial, outrage, perhaps a dramatic tantrum, not a candid confession as if she herself were at fault.
Pitiful? she exhaled, a wave of fury rising. Yes, I feel pitiful! I spent three months working overtime, pouring my prize money into that ring! And you just took it without asking! Thats insane!
Len, calm down, Mr. Bennett finally intervened. Youre making a mountain out of a molehill. Shes young, she just craves beautiful things. You have everything already. Let Charlotte keep it, and shell think of you. You can buy another.
They were serious? They truly believed she should surrender something shed bought herself just because her sisterinlaw fancied it?
Evelyn, be more compassionate, Mrs. Bennett stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her daughterinlaw. Charlotte didnt mean harm. She admired your ring, dreamed of having one. You have a good job, a husband, a home. Shes just starting out. Dont be selfish. Its not the most important thing in life.
Evelyn turned to Andrew, searching his eyes for any hint of support, any word of defence. He merely shook his head, avoiding her stare.
Youre overreacting, Len, he finally said. Its just a ring, not the end of the world.
It was just a ring. Her achievement, her joy, her possessionjust a ring. Standing among the people shed called family for three years, Evelyn suddenly realised how wrong she had been.
Her hands ceased trembling. A cold calm settled over her.
She fished a phone from her coat pocket, tapped the dial, and held it up to Mrs. Bennetts face.
Im giving you two minutes, her voice was steady, icy. Return the ring or Ill call the police. Your move.
You wont dare! Mr. Bennett stepped forward, his face flushing.
We shall see, Evelyn replied, unmoving.
Charlotte shrieked, clutching at her mother. Mrs. Bennett shot venomous looks at Evelyn but said nothing.
Times ticking, Evelyn reminded.
Andrew! Mrs. Bennett pleaded. Say something to your wife! Stop her!
Andrew stared at the floor, silent. Evelyn smiled, bitter and disdainful, and reached for the call button.
Alright, alright! Charlotte shrieked, darting to her room, returning a minute later with a familiar velvet box. She flung it onto the table before Evelyn.
Take it! she hissed. My precious ring! Greedy witch!
Evelyn lifted the box, opened it the ring lay there, the emerald catching the lamp light. She slipped it back into the velvet cushion, then tucked it into her jacket pocket.
I thought you were decent, Charlotte sniffled, wiping tears. But youre greedy and cruel.
Evelyn headed for the door, then turned back at the threshold, eyes hard.
If Im so horrible, why did I live in your flat for three months? her voice rang with barely restrained anger. I used your internet, your hot water, your kitchen? If Im that bad, why did you ask me to pay for your courses? Explain.
Charlotte scowled and turned away, speechless.
Evelyns gaze fell on Andrew, hunched, head down. A pitiful sight. She said with contempt:
I never expected this from you, Andrew. Though, given your family it would be strange if you were any different.
She extended her hand.
The car keys.
Andrew lifted his head, frowning.
What?
The cars mine too. I bought it with my own money. Hand them over.
Len
Keys! she snapped, jerking her hand.
He slipped his fingers into his pocket and placed the keys on her palm. She clenched them like a fist and, at the doorway, turned once more.
Ill bring your things tomorrow. And Ill file for divorce.
She walked out without waiting for a reply.
A month later the divorce was official. Evelyn looked at the dresser. The jewellery box sat where it always had, a velvet pad cradling her emerald ring.
Her phone buzzed on the tableanother notification. Former relatives accused her of hardness, coldness, tearing families apart. They called her selfish for not forgiving. And again.
Evelyn didnt answer. She simply added the number to her block list, as she had done with dozens before.
Life without Andrew proved simple and light. His familys troubles no longer brushed against her. She didnt care whether Charlotte found a job or not. She didnt worry about how the Bennetts would survive the winter.
Evelyn began to plan only for herself, intending to spend the holidays with those who truly loved her.
