I held the ring, displaying the inner band to Julian. The originally smooth inner circle had been engraved. Though minute, the letters were clearly visible in the light.

Neatly carved there now were two initials: "J & C"—Julian and Chloe.

Just as I had suspected. I let out a soft, bitter laugh. Julian opened his mouth to explain, but I cut him off.

"Perhaps you never committed a 'substantial' betr