The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 17

A moment later, his gaze shifted to his own hand. He then remembered that because their marriage was a secret, he had never worn his ring.

Jamie frowned and began to look around the room. The closet doors were wide open, and though she hadn't taken many clothes, he noticed the limited-edition handbags he'd bought for her were gone. He'd never even seen her use one.

Besides the bags, he had also purchased so much expensive jewelry for her, yet the adjoining walk-in closet had always remained empty. What else could she have done with all those things but cash them in to support the Sterlings?

So much for his grandfather’s judgment. The old man had to be losing it to think she wasn’t after money. She might have been able to deceive his grandfather, but she couldn't deceive him.

And now she had failed to show up at City Hall. He wondered what new scheme she was hatching.

As he walked further into the room, he found himself drawn to the nightstand. He leaned over and pulled open the top drawer. Inside lay an exquisite velvet box.

After a moment of hesitation, he reached for it and opened it. The word LOVE was engraved on the pendant, a sight that stung his eyes. Yes, it was the necklace she cherished most.

How much of a hurry was she in? How desperate was she to leave this house? To leave behind the necklace she treasured like her own life?

Jamie's thumb traced the faint line where it had been repaired, a scar from when they had broken it during a fight. She had been wearing it around her delicate neck the very first time he saw her.

What else could it be but a token from a lover? Combined with the vague, affectionate whispers he’d heard from her in her sleep…

Ha! What a master of disguise she was.

The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became. He shoved the necklace, velvet box and all, into his pocket, then stormed out of the room and headed to the hospital to see his comatose grandfather.

***

Suzie could hear the respect in Aaron’s voice and replied just as politely. “Hello. Could you please let Jamie know that I’m free now? I’m available to go to City Hall anytime.”

“Ms. Sterling, there’s something I think I should tell you privately. Richard Baylor woke up this morning...”

“Really?!” Suzie exclaimed before he could finish, her voice filled with surprise and joy. Richard had been in a coma for half a month. He was finally awake!

Two years ago, Richard had collapsed from a heart attack, and with no time to wait for a doctor, Suzie had saved his life. She left right after, without even leaving her name. But somehow, Richard had found her. He started inviting her out, treating her with the affection of a real grandfather. Six months later, he arranged for her engagement to Jamie, and soon after, they were married.

“How is he doing?” Suzie’s voice cracked with emotion.

Growing up, the only taste of familial love she had ever known was from Richard. In her heart, she had long considered him her own grandfather.