13
When I left the house, I only packed a few everyday clothes.
Jewelry and dresses wouldn’t suit my new life, so I left them behind. The necklace, too, held little value to me now.
Still, Dominic’s words reminded me that leaving anything at an ex’s place was bound to be awkward.
I texted back: “I’ll send someone tomorrow to pick it up.”
Selling the items and donating the money to improve conditions for the kids in the Highlands seemed like a good plan.
Feeling lighter after Mr. Blackwell’s support, I allowed myself to sleep in the next morning.
Later, I arranged for a resale service to meet me at Dominic’s house.
I carefully sorted through the more expensive items, snapping photos to let Dominic decide how to handle them.
But he hadn’t responded to my messages since the night before, so I set the items aside for now.
Together with the appraiser, I went through every item’s value.
Despite living modestly for five years, my wardrobe and bags added up to a substantial amount.
As we were wrapping up, Dominic came home.
He looked haggard, his face clouded with exhaustion, and his expression darkened at the sight of the disarrayed living room.
I was startled. Wasn’t he supposed to be gone for another day?
“Don’t worry, we’re almost done,” I said.
“What the hell is going on here, Audrey?” His voice was sharp with irritation.
I gave him a glance and motioned for the workers to take the cleared items outside.
“Getting rid of things I don’t need
D
2:35 PM
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“These are just things I’ve used. I left the valuable jewelry untouched.
“If it bothers you, we can split the money.”
He stepped in front of the door, blocking their exit.
“Do you think the Blackwell family needs your money?”
“Dominic, what’s your problem?”
I tried to shove him aside.
He’d told me to clear out my things because they were cluttering his space, and now he was angry that I was doing exactly that?
Ridiculous.
He scanned the room, his gaze landing on the red box on the table.
“And this?” he said, grabbing my hand and holding up the box.
“Are you getting rid of this too? Selling it?”
He stared at me with bloodshot eyes, his grip unrelenting.
I yanked my hand free.
“Yes, I don’t want it.
“But it’s worthless. Even the resale service won’t take it.”
