Chapter 8

Autumn waited by the roadside for Olivia's car, about twenty feet from Damien and his party. The darkness and other pedestrians obscured her from casual view. Only when Barry spoke her name did everyone turn. Autumn looked at them silently. The awkwardness was palpable. Immediately, her gaze fell to Damien's left hand, where a simple, luxurious men's ring adorned his long finger. Emilia wore a matching ring. They were clearly a set. The sight, however, was far more impactful than knowing about it beforehand; Autumn felt her throat tighten.

Two car beeps broke her contemplation. She looked over to see Olivia's car. Olivia gestured to the passenger seat. In under two seconds, Autumn was inside and gone.

Barry was stunned. He turned to Damien. "Did Autumn just... ignore us?" Her decisive departure and cold expression surprised him. Before, she would have done anything to please them. This new boldness struck him as odd, though he couldn't quite place it. This was a familiar fight dynamic, yet different.

Damien, his voice cold, had already looked away. "Don't mention her."

Barry glanced at Emilia, whose indifference was unmistakable. Even if Autumn had been celebrating her birthday, Emilia would have maintained her composure. Tactfully, Barry said, "Alright, I won't mention her. I wouldn't want to spoil the mood." He led the group into the restaurant.

Autumn's appearance was a minor incident, largely unnoticed. They knew her only superficially; her quiet nature kept her apart. Besides, it was Emilia's birthday. Who would bother with Autumn? Only Barry, close enough to Damien to be so bold, dared to risk Damien's wrath. Mentioning Autumn risked upsetting Emilia, the Mason heiress, who would never give Autumn a second glance. It was simply beneath her. Thus, everyone catered to Emilia.

However, Barry pulled Damien aside and whispered, "Did you see the gift bag Autumn was carrying?" Damien had only glanced at her, missing the detail. Barry, sensing Damien's impatience, quickly added, "Remember her selling her wedding ring and going to that other jewelry store? The gift bag's brand matched. She probably bought a new diamond ring to reconcile. But I guess it was too awkward."

Damien, frowning, tried to recall. He remembered the bag. He looked at the ring on his finger, Emilia's gift. He'd misunderstood before. Was it too late for Autumn's attempt at reconciliation? Even playing hard to get had limits.

Damien replied coldly, "I don't have any fingers for it anymore."

Barry was speechless. He had more than one finger! Before he could speak, Damien walked away. He didn't care why Autumn had appeared or how she left. Emilia's birthday celebration was his priority.

Barry lagged behind the group, glancing back around a corner. Autumn was gone. He was certain the driver was female, fitting, as Autumn's affections were solely directed at Damien.

The car moved steadily forward, Autumn's mind blank. Comparing this birthday to past ones, her heart grew heavier. After a pause, she said, "There are twenty-five days left."

Olivia, expecting tears or bitterness, was surprised. "Twenty-five days?"

Autumn replied, "Twenty-five days until our divorce is finalized." Olivia saw the determination in her eyes.

Damien, at twenty-eight, was a handsome and successful heir to the elite Caldwell family, whose influence was undeniable in Havenmoor. His charm and success were undeniable, attracting many women. But Autumn’s feelings ran deeper.

Three years prior, after Virginia's accident, Autumn had fallen into the sea. Damien, on a nearby yacht, rescued her, giving her a new lease on life. Olivia understood Autumn's lingering feelings. But this countdown to the divorce felt different. Autumn seemed resolute. It was for the best; time was all she needed.

"Don't worry about those scumbags. Open your gift."

Olivia, relieved by Autumn's resolve, wanted to distract her. Autumn expected a necklace; instead, it was a pair of rings.

Autumn was puzzled. "Why two rings?"

Olivia quipped, "Don't be self-absorbed. These are matching friendship rings. One for each of us."

Autumn was surprised. "No one gives rings to friends, no?"

"You and your stereotypes. Diamond rings aren't only from men. I can give you one too," Olivia joked. "The mark on your finger is too obvious. Wear this to cover it. It might ward off bad luck."

Olivia waited for a reaction, but Autumn was silent. Then, tears welled in Autumn's eyes. Olivia, abandoning her teasing, felt only pity. She drove in silence, letting Autumn process her emotions. A gentle pat on the shoulder provided comfort, surpassing any words. Autumn, clutching the ring box, patted Olivia's hand in reassurance.

After dinner, Olivia offered a ride home, wanting to see Autumn's new place at Flery Residences. Autumn, welcoming the company, invited her to stay the night. But on the way, Autumn received a call.

"Autumn, Allen is in the hospital. Acute gastritis after drinking with a client. Can you come?"