Page 54 of Due Process
It was early days, but I was proud of him.
Inhaling deeply, my palm skimmed over the documents, my fingers catching on a bulge left behind in the envelope. I flipped the paper, and a small trinket fell out, spinning across the surface to halt right in front of me.
The expensive platinum band gleamed in mockery, a stark reminder of all my failings wrapped into one. It was the ring I had gifted Stella on our ten-year anniversary—the same exact piece that Heather wore on her finger before hers was repossessed.
My mind was reeling, my thoughts conflicted.
Why did Stella bother giving it back? Why did she keep it for so long? And why does this not feel like a coincidence?
My fingers tapped against the desk, instinct warring at me to push a little further.
I picked up my phone and called. I had no doubt I was a paranoid idiot, but I had to follow through.
“Everlasting Diamonds, how may I help you?”
“Hi, this is Felix Johnson. I have an enquiry about a purchase I made earlier this year.”
“Welcome back, Mr Johnson. I’ll be glad to assist you.”
I knew something was off. Everlasting Diamonds was Stella’s favourite high-end jewellery store that specialised in signature designs. Over the years, I had built a rapport with the manager to the point I could call on a whim, and they would select a few pieces that best fit Stella’s style.
Our latest anniversary was one of those occasions, and they had sworn to me that they’d chosen the best work for my wife.
Hence why I was surprised that there was a repeat design sold to another. After I probed with the necessary questions, thestore manager returned with a few clicks on a computer keypad sounding in the background.
“Ah, I see what happened,” she said, her voice thick with amusement. “Your wife called ahead of time and knew you’d contact us. In preparation, she sent us detailed designs of what she’d like made. She said it wasn’t her usual style, but she saw someone with a similar design and said she justhadto have it.”
I was shocked mute, the information confusing and entirely far-fetched. Did Stella get a custom piece made—an exact replica of Heather’s ring?
“Mr Johnson, are you there?”
I cleared my throat and huffed in confirmation, speechless.
“Your wife said she didn’t want to hurt your feelings, so might be best to keep this quiet. It was a rushed order, but we were happy with the end result.”
“When was the piece commissioned?” I croaked.
“Hmm. Six weeks before you picked it up. Was she happy with the ring?”
“Um. She definitelyactedsurprised.”
The lady on the phone chuckled. “Women know what they want, Mr Johnson. I’m glad we could provide another gift for your wife. Is there anything else?”
“No. Thank you for your help,” I said before hanging up.
Six weeks...Six weeks before our wedding anniversary.And based on the records from Heather’s transaction history, she had purchased her ring months before that one was made.
Which meant that Stella knew the whole time.
Why would she wait? Why orchestrate such a mess?
That was when everything clicked—she was testing me.
At that moment, our entire history played out before me. I had known her once, truly recognised every part of her. My girl had always been calculating, patient, resourceful. And I was starkly made aware of that clever tenacity being turned on me.
If I chose to dig deeper, what else would I find? I realised it didn’t matter.
I was a fool.
