I woke up halfasleep, still clutching the feeling that my emeraldset ring had vanished. Its not here, Andrew! I shouted, turning the bedroom upside down. I flung open the dresser drawers, tipped over boxes, and let out a gasp as panic tightened my chest. That ring was more than jewelry; it was the token of the first big award Id ever won, proof that Id finally earned my place at the firm. And now it was gone.
Andrew sighed, finally putting his phone down.
Emily, it couldnt have disappeared on its own. You must have misplaced it. Youll remember where you put it as soon as you calm down.
I know exactly where I left it, I snapped, eyes blazing. Only in that little jewellery box on the dresser. I never put it anywhere else. You know that.
He waved a hand dismissively.
Itll turn up. Dont make a fuss over nothing.
Mynothing? My voice rose higher. Its not nothing, Andrew. Its a precious heirloom it must have been taken by Charlotte. Shes the only other person whos been in our flat the past three months!
His brow furrowed and he set his phone aside, irritation plain on his face.
Dont blame Charlotte. She wouldnt have done that.
Wouldnt have? Who else has been wandering round the flat while were at work? I want that ring back now. Lets go to her.
Andrews shoulders tensed, his lips pressed into a thin line. He clearly didnt want to drive, didnt want a scene, but I wasnt about to back down.
Emily, maybe we should think this through. Why does she need my ring?
Because its beautiful and valuable. Were going now.
With a sigh that sounded like resignation, Andrew started the car and we headed out of London toward the small village where his parents live. I sat in the passenger seat, phone clenched in my hand, my thoughts swirling like a storm. Every mile felt like a struggle, and Andrews occasional sideways glances were thinlyveiled judgments.
An hour later we pulled up to the modest stone cottage that belonged to his parents. I was the first out of the car, marching straight to the front door.
His mother opened it, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of both of us.
Andrew? Emily? What brings you here? We werent expecting you.
Wheres Charlotte? I demanded, cutting straight to the chase.
Shes home, of course. She just got back from staying with you, his mother replied, stepping aside to let us in. Come in, somethings happened?
I strode into the sitting room where his father and Charlotte were seated at the table. As soon as Charlotte saw us, her eyes widened.
Charlotte, you need to return my ring properly, or things will get very ugly, I said, pausing in the centre of the room. I wont let this slide.
A heavy silence fell. His father rose slowly from his chair.
Who gave you permission to behave like that in someone elses house? he asked, his voice low and threatening. Are you accusing our daughter of theft?
Im stating a fact, I replied, my throat tight. My emerald ring disappeared after Charlotte left. No one else has been in the flat.
His mothers voice rose in a sharp protest.
My daughter would never steal! Youre insulting our whole family!
I want her to explain where my ring is, I insisted, my patience running thin.
Andrew stood by the door, pale and silent, his gaze flicking between me and his sister.
Suddenly Charlotte broke down, her lower lip quivering, tears spilling over.
I I just wanted to wear it a little. Its so beautiful. I thought you wouldnt notice if I put it back later
I was stunned. I had expected denial, anger, maybe a dramatic outburst, but not this candid confession.
Feel sorry? I exhaled, fury bubbling up. Yes, I feel sorry! I spent my threemonth bonus on that ring, worked overtime just to afford it, and you just took it without asking! Thats absurd, understand?
Emily, calm down, his father said finally, trying to defuse the tension. Youre making a mountain out of a molehill. Shes a young woman who likes pretty things. You have everything already a good job, a husband, a lovely flat. Let her keep the ring; shell think of you when she wears it. You can buy another one.
It seemed they truly believed I should simply surrender something Id paid for because my sisterinlaw wanted it.
Emily, be a bit kinder, his mother interjected, wrapping an arm around Charlotte. She didnt mean any harm; she just admired your ring. You have a stable life, and shes just starting out. Dont be selfish.
I turned to Andrew, searching his eyes for any hint of support, any word of defence, but he only shook his head, avoiding my stare.
Youre overreacting, Emily, he said finally. Its just a ring, not the end of the world.
The words hit me like a cold splash of water. In that moment I realised how much of myself I had built around that piece of jewellery. The tremor in my hands stopped. A strange, icy calm settled over me.
I slipped my phone from my pocket, dialed three numbers, and held it up to my motherinlaws face.
Ill give you two minutes, I said, voice flat and icy. Either return the ring to me, or Ill call the police. Your choice.
You wont! his father shouted, his face turning a deep shade of red.
Well see about that, I replied, not moving an inch.
Charlotte wailed, clutching at her mother, while his mother shot me a murderous look but said nothing.
The clock is ticking, I reminded them.
Andrew! his mother begged, pleading with him to intervene. Say something to your wife! Stop her!
Andrew stared at the floor, unmoved. I smiled bitterly, pressed the call button.
Enough, enough! Charlotte shrieked, darting to her bedroom and returning a minute later with a familiar velvet box. She slammed it onto the table in front of me.
Take it, you greedy old hag! she spat, tears still streaming.
I opened the box. The emerald glimmered exactly as before, nestled on a plush cushion. I slipped it back into my coat pocket.
You were supposed to be decent, Charlotte sniffed, wiping her cheeks. Youre selfish and cruel.
I walked toward the door, then turned back, my voice hard as steel.
If Im that bad, why did I spend three months living in your flat? Using your WiFi, hot water? If Im so terrible, why did you pay for my courses? Explain that.
Charlotte stared at me, speechless, and turned away.
I glanced at Andrew, still hunched, his head down. The sight made my stomach drop.
I never expected this from you, Andrew. But given the sort of family you come from its not surprising.
I thrust my hand forward.
The car keys.
He lifted his head, puzzled.
What?
The car is mine too. I bought it with my own money. Hand them over.
Emily
Keys! I snapped, grabbing them. He fished them out of his pocket and placed them in my palm. I clenched them tightly, turned to the door, and said one last time:
Ill collect my things tomorrow, and Ill also file for divorce.
I left without waiting for a reply.
A month later the divorce was finalised. I looked at the old dresser; the jewellery box sat exactly where it always had. Inside, on its velvet pillow, my emerald ring sparkled once more.
My phone buzzed on the table another notification. Former relatives were slinging accusations: selfish, cold, destroying families. I didnt bother to reply. I simply added the number to my block list, as I had done with dozens of others.
Life without Andrew turned out to be simple and light. His familys dramas no longer seeped into my days. I didnt care whether Charlotte found a job or not, or how his parents would survive the winter. I started making plans solely for myself, looking forward to holidays spent with people who truly love me.
