Dear Diary,
Ive been up all night frantically turning the bedroom upside down, shouting for Andrew, Where is my emeraldset ring?! Im standing in the middle of the room, breath ragged, surrounded by open drawers and boxes turned inside out. My hands tremble with panic. That ring was more than jewellery; it was the token of the first big bonus I earned, a reminder of how hard Id fought my way into the firm. And now its vanished.
Andrew sighs wearily, finally putting his phone down.
Eve, it cant have gone far. You must have misplaced it. Youll remember when youre rested.
Im certain, I snap back, eyes blazing. The only place I ever keep it is the little velvet case on the dresser. I never leave it elsewhere. You know that.
He waves me off.
Itll turn up. Dont make a mountain out of a molehill.
A molehill? my voice sharpens. This isnt a trifle, Andrewits priceless. It must be Charlotte. Shes the only one who could have taken it!
He frowns, sets his phone aside, and looks at me with barely concealed irritation.
Youre blaming your sister again. She would never do that.
Yes? I fold my arms. Who else has been in our flat the past three months, poking around while were at work? I want her to bring the ring back right now. Lets go to her place.
Andrew rubs his face with his palms. I see his shoulders tense, his lips thin to a line. He clearly doesnt want this trip, but Im not backing down.
Eve, maybe we shouldnt? Thinkwhy would she need my ring? he mutters.
Because its beautiful and expensive. Lets go. Now.
With resigned sighs, we climb into the car and drive out of London to our parents house in Kent. I sit in the passenger seat clutching my phone, my mind a whirl. Every mile feels like a battle. Andrew remains silent, casting occasional sharp glances my way, as if silently chastising me.
An hour later we pull up to the modest cottage. The house greets us with an uneasy quiet. I jump out first, striding purposefully toward the front door.
My mother opens it, frozen at the sight of both of us. Her face shows sheer astonishment.
Andrew? Eve? What on earth has happened? We werent expecting you.
Wheres Charlotte? I bark, skipping the pleasantries.
Shes home, of course. She just arrived from your place yesterday, Mum stammers, stepping aside to let us in. Come inwhats the matter?
I march into the sittingroom where my father and Charlotte are already seated. Charlotte looks up, her eyes widening.
Charlotte, you must return my ring properly, or things will get messy for everyone, I say, pausing in the centre of the room. I wont let this slide.
A heavy silence settles. My father rises slowly from his chair.
Who gave you permission to behave like this in someone elses home? his voice low, threatening. Are you accusing our daughter of theft?
Im stating a fact, I reply, heart thudding in my throat. My emerald ring disappeared after Charlotte left. No one else was in the flat.
Mum shrieks, My daughter would never steal! Youre insulting our whole family!
Its not a matter of couldnt; its about where my ring is. Explain yourself quickly, because my patience is wearing thin.
Andrew stands by the door, pale and silent, his gaze flicking between his wife and his sister. He says nothing, merely shifting his weight.
Charlottes lower lip trembles, tears welling up.
I I just wanted to try it on a bit. Its so gorgeous. I thought you wouldnt notice if I slipped it back later she whispers, voice cracking.
Im stunned. I expected denial, outrage, perhaps a tantrumnot this candid confession, as if she were the guilty party and I the victim.
Feel sorry? I exhale, a surge of anger rising. Yes, I feel sorry! I spent three months working overtime to earn that bonus and buy that ring! And you just took it without asking! Thats absurd, understand?
Eve, calm down, my father finally interjects. Youre making a mountain out of a molehill. Shes just a young woman who admires beautiful things. You have everythinggood job, a husband, a nice flat. Let her keep the ring; shell think of you each time she wears it. You can buy another.
They really think I should surrender something I paid for because my sisterinlaw coveted it?
My dear, be a little kinder, Mum says, moving toward me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. Charlotte didnt mean any harm. She just dreamed of having a ring like yours. Youve got it allcareer, marriage, home. Shes just starting out. Dont be selfish; its not the most important thing in life.
I turn to Andrew, searching his eyes for any sign of support, any word to back me up. He only shakes his head, avoiding my gaze.
Youre overreacting, Eve, he finally says. Its just a ring. Not the end of the world.
Just a ringmy achievement, my joy, my propertyjust a ring. I stand among the people Ive called family for three years and suddenly realise how mistaken Ive been.
My hands stop shaking. A cold calm settles over me.
I pull my phone from my pocket, dial three numbers, and hold it up to Mums face.
Im giving you two minutes, I say, voice steady and icy. Either return the ring to me, or Ill call the police. Your choice.
You wont dare! my father roars, his face flushing.
Well see, I reply, unmoving.
Charlotte sobs loudly, clutching at Mum. Mum shoots me a hostile stare but says nothing.
Times ticking, I remind her.
Andrew! Mum pleads. Say something to your wife! Stop her!
Andrew keeps his eyes on the floor, silent. I smile bitterly, then press the call button.
Fine, fine! Charlotte shrieks, darting to her bedroom. A minute later she returns, gripping a familiar velvet box. She flings it onto the table in front of me.
Take your precious ring, you greedy, miserly thing! she spits.
I pick up the box, open itthere it is, the emerald glinting under the lamp. I slip it back into the velvet lining and tuck it into my coat pocket.
I thought you were reasonable, Charlotte sniffles, wiping tears from her cheeks. But youre selfish and cruel.
I head for the door, then turn back, my stare hard.
If Im such a monster, why did I live here for three months? You used my internet, my hot water, my WiFi If Im that bad, why did you ask me to pay for your courses? Explain that.
Charlotte scowls, turns away, speechless.
I glance at Andrew, hunched, head down. Its a pitiful sight. I say with contempt,
I never expected this from you, Andrew. Given your family, I suppose its not surprising.
I thrust my hand forward.
The car keys.
He looks up, frowning.
What?
The car is mine too. I bought it with my own money. Hand them over.
Eve
Keys! I snap.
He reaches into his pocket, places the set of keys in my palm. I crush them in my fist and, at the threshold, turn once more.
Ill bring your things back tomorrow, and Ill also file for divorce.
I step out without waiting for a response.
A month later the divorce is finalised. I glance at the dresser; the velvet case sits exactly where it always has, the emerald ring still sparkling on its cushion. My phone buzzes with another notification. Former inlaws are accusing me of being harsh, cold, and ruining the family, labeling me selfish for refusing to forgive. Again.
I dont reply. I simply add their numbers to the block list, as I have done with dozens of others.
Life without Andrew is surprisingly simple and light. Their familys dramas no longer touch me. I dont care whether Charlotte finds a job or not, nor how his parents cope with the winter. Im finally making plans for myself, intending to spend the holidays with those who truly love me.
