His jaw tightened. “Don’t start drama, Sophia.”

That was his talent. He could hurt me deeply and somehow convince me I was the problem for reacting. An hour later a black SUV arrived. Daniel kissed my forehead in front of the driver.

“Relax and enjoy yourself, sweetheart.” But as the car pulled away, I looked back through the rear window and saw him already walking inside, a phone pressed to his ear.

Chapter 3 — Diamond Earrings

The retreat was beautiful — lavender-scented sheets, gourmet meals, peaceful gardens — and I felt completely alone, exiled from my own honeymoon. That evening I called Daniel.

Voicemail. I texted him photos. No response.

The next afternoon I met a friendly woman named Isabella by a fountain. We chatted until she mentioned something that tightened my stomach. “There was such a beautiful couple dancing on one of the terraces yesterday,” she said.