Page 38 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
"She’s going to love it," Steve nodded approvingly.
I also picked up some local pastries, already imagining Eva’s delighted expression as she tasted them with that curious, indulgent look she always had.I missed those little moments with her terribly.
As we passed the dazzling display of Oslo’s most prestigious jewelry boutique, an impulse made me stop.Inside, under the glow of crystal chandeliers, my eyes roamed over the glass cases, searching for something truly special for Eva.I wanted to bring her back a piece that was as exceptional as she was—something that reflected her love for sculpture.
And then I saw it: a breathtaking pendant of a leaping reindeer, crafted in platinum and set with rare Arctic blue diamonds.The creature seemed almost alive, capturing the untamed beauty and elegance of Nordic wildlife in a single graceful motion.I could already picture it resting against Eva’s collarbone, her natural elegance amplified by this exquisite piece.
"A one-of-a-kind creation, sir," the jeweler said in Norwegian before switching to English."These diamonds are sourced from the historic mines of Greenland."
I nodded, unfazed by the discreet mention of its astronomical price.My gaze then caught a white gold bracelet—simpler, but just as refined.Tiny diamonds were arranged like delicate snowflakes.Without hesitation, I added it to my purchase.
24.Hey, handsome!
EVA
My mood was at rock bottom.The Christmas market photo Steve had sent—rather than Tristan—only emphasized how distant he had become.Sitting on our couch, I stared at the Paris skyline through the floor-to-ceiling window when my phone rang.It was Mom.Ever since Dad passed away, she had been my rock, the unwavering force in my life, always knowing the right words to say.Now settled in Brittany with Jean and my half-brother Erwan, she led a peaceful life on their farm.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Eva, how are you?"
Her warm, familiar voice instantly loosened something inside me.Just like when I was little, when she could calm my fears with a single word.
"I’m fine, thanks," I replied."And you?How’s life in Brittany?"
"Oh, Jean is finishing up the autumn and winter harvest.We have so many pumpkins and squash that we don’t know where to store them all.If you want to make a soup or a pie, now’s the time!"she laughed."Erwan is working on preparing the soil for the next season and fixing damaged structures.As for me, I’ve started planting seedlings in the greenhouse—garlic, onions, shallots.We keep busy!And you?"
"I’m keeping busy too, but I’ve slowed down a bit.I’ve cut back my office hours, trying to take better care of my work-life balance."
"That’s a good thing.And Tristan?"
"He… has a new assistant, he’s catching up on work..."
The silence that followed was telling.Mom had always known how to read between my lines.
"And outside of work?How are you two doing?"
"We’re fine," I lied."Ups and downs, like any couple."
She waited, patient.She knew I needed to talk, that the words would come out eventually.
"Mom… Have you ever doubted Dad?Doubted his love for you?"
"Oh, sweetheart…" She let out a soft sigh."What makes you ask that?"
"I don’t want to talk about it.Just answer me, please."
Her answer about the rough patch they had after Alban was born moved me.This shared vulnerability, the proof that even the strongest couples faced storms.
"But Dad… He never looked at another woman, did he?"
"No, of course not."She paused."Eva, Tristan loves you, I’m sure of it.Whatever you’re going through, you can overcome it together."
After hanging up, I stayed still for a while, her words echoing in my mind.She was right.Tristan and I had to fight for our relationship.There was no other option.I went to the bathroom to freshen up.Once I looked human again, I faced the mirror, scrutinizing myself from head to toe, with no indulgence, no filter.A regular face, a bit too plain; hazel eyes, nothing remarkable; chestnut hair, dull and lifeless; a well-proportioned figure, but nothing breathtaking.No wonder Tristan preferred fantasizing about someone like Audrey.How could I possibly compete?It was impossible.
And yet, I refused to give up.
I thought about all our firsts, all the battles we had won together, and I made my decision.I was going to fight.After everything we’d shared, our story didn’t deserve such a pathetic ending.I refused to believe it could all crumble like this.I would fight to win him back.I could do it.I was sure of it.
