She'd been happy for him, but a small part of her had shrivelled and died because she'd known what it meant.
The beginning of the end for their marriage.
She'd texted him her weekend plans out of decency, not expecting him to care. If the guy couldn't take time out from his hectic schedule for more than a few snatched moments, why would he bother about where she'd be spending a few days after visiting her sister?
The fact he hadn't responded spoke volumes. He had better things to do with his time, like schmooze his way into Melbourne's aristocratic society, seal more deals, make more millions.
Good for him.
Her company’s steady climb out of the red should've vindicated she'd done the right thing in proposing this convenient marriage.
But it wasn't enough. Not anymore.
Somewhere between saying, 'I do', that special night at Crown, the decadent interlude in her workshop, and the auction, she'd opened herself wide open to potential heartbreak.
She couldn't fathom it.
Jax Maroney wassonot her type.
Maybe if she kept telling herself that long enough, she'd start to believe it.
Tenang looked the same as she turned into the long driveway, a peaceful oasis. She could do with some of what this place offered right about now.
How long had it been since she'd made the journey here with Jax? Weeks? Months? Enough time to ensure she'd done the unthinkable.
Fallen for her husband.
Another annoyance. She kept thinking about him in those terms,herhusband, as if it was something to be proud of and treasured.
Wonder how she'd like it when they divorced and he quickly became herex-husband?
Muttering swear words under her breath, she parked, signed in, and headed for the river. Saph would be there for sure.
She caught sight of her sister, lying flat on her back on a wooden bench, her bare feet dangling over the end, a floppy straw hat shading her face, doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the glorious spring sunshine.
Ruby’s heart lightened. She'd never seen her workaholic sister sit still for two seconds, let alone lie in the sunshine. Thisplace had worked wonders and she couldn't wait for a healthier, happier version of Saph to rejoin her atSeaborn.
Okay, so her wish for a speedy return wasn't entirely altruistic: the faster Saph returned to spokesperson duties, the faster Ruby could go back to doing what she did best: create. She needed to put the finishing touches on that commissioned engagement ring by Tuesday. According to Opal, the buyer had paid in full already. Impressive. And handy, considering their overdraft at the bank.
Another surprise: Sapphire hadn't asked her about the financials once. Sure, she asked aboutSeabornduring her allowed once-a-week call, but never delved into specifics. Very un-Saph-like. They talked about general stuff, Ruby taking her cue from her sister, who seemed mellower and more relaxed than she could've hoped for.
Yeah, Ruby couldn't wait for her sister to come back toSeaborn. She had a feeling she'd need her once Jax Maroney strutted out of her life.
"Are you staring at me?" Sapphire picked up the edge of her hat and squinted up at her.
"Yep. I’m about to take a pic of this to remind you what you need to do more of once you get back to Melbourne."
Sapphire removed the hat from her face, swung her legs over, and sat up. "You'll be pleased to know I won't need much reminding." She held up three fingers. "I'm going to schedule weekly yoga, Pilates, and t'ai chi sessions."
"Wow." Ruby sat, grabbed her sister's shoulders and gave them a gentle shake. "Who are you and what have you done with my sister?"
Sapphire shrugged, her smile radiant. "It's the new me. You like?"
"Yeah, I like." Ruby released Saph, tugging on the end of her ponytail. "I don't ever want to see you burnt out again, you hear me?"
"Loud and clear." Sapphire sat back and tilted her face up to the sun. "I wasn't expecting you this weekend."
"Can't a girl pop in to see her favourite sis for an impromptu visit?"
