She hurriedly returned it when she heard him coming out from the bathroom. No use ruining Hans’s surprise by telling him she knew. Instead she took care of booking them a table at Le Cinq, sparing Hans the trouble of making the arrangement. She wanted this as easy as possible for him because she wanted that ring badly on her finger.
When she left New York and joined him on the trip to Monaco, Lindsay was certain she made the right decision. She took a risk breaking up with Falcon because Hans had more money and a title to his name. It didn’t matter that he looked old enough to be her father or was currently in the process of divorcing wife number two.
Hans was generous with his money, giving fabulous gifts of jewelry and clothes straight off the runway. He liked displaying her to his friends. Lindsay found them lecherous, dull and boring. She expected to travel around the world with him. But Hans was anchored to his work and stayed within Monaco. She eventually grew tired of the small municipality preferring to explore the nearby places on her own.
Their arguments were becoming more frequent and since they slept in separate bedrooms, their fights often extended till the next morning. Lindsay grew alarming aware that it has been months and he hasn’t hinted on making their relationship more permanent. She needed to do something drastic and therefore left for Paris. It worked because Hans followed her here.
Now she just needed to play it coy and act surprised when he produced the ring. She saw him as soon as he entered the restaurant. He approached giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Lindsay had instructed the waiters to serve them dinner as soon as he arrived. Hans ate painstakingly slow, seeming to relish every mouthful of their 8-course meal. He asked for his wine glass to be refilled every so often. Lindsay assumed he was nervous about the marriage proposal.
She was relieved when their table was finally cleared.
She gave him an opening. “This is a special place, isn’t it Hans?” He nodded looking distracted. “It’s always a special place when you and I are together,” Lindsay added.
Hans cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable. “Lindsay, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Yes?” she answered in a husky voice.
This is it! Lindsay tried to control her excitement. She fully expected Hans to rummage in his pocket for the ring. Instead he picked imaginary lint off his coat.
“I’m gong back to my wife,” Hans announced.
Lindsay was stunned. This wasn’t what she expected.
“You and I, we’re not working. You’re young and I’m old. You need excitement in your life while I don’t. I’d rather work on my charities and you find them boring. You don’t get along with my friends.”
“I-I can learn to like them,” Lindsay reasoned in alarm.
Hans glanced at her sideways and shook his head.
“Please Hans, I can try harder. I’ll learn all about your charity works, and…and…”
From the stubborn look on his face, Lindsay knew that his mind was made up.
“My bags are packed and I checked out from the hotel. I followed you here because it was the decent thing to do. I’m headed for the airport from here. I’m sorry Lindsay.”
“Why you miserable piece of shit,” Lindsay’s panic had turned into fury. “You think you’re quite a catch with your fancy shit name and your shitty charities? You and your wrinkled ex-wife deserve each other. I don’t need you in my life, asshole,” Lindsay shrilled.
Her voice had attracted the attention of other diners. Hans tried to placate her, embarrassed by the attention they were drawing.
Lindsay was in full-on beast mode. She picked up her wine glass and doused him with its content. Hans sputtered as the wine hit him squarely in the face.
An enraged Lindsay stormed out of Le Cinq with her head held high.
