“Mr. Vale,” the manager said politely. “Your guest privileges at the Peninsular Club have been revoked. You and your family must leave the premises immediately.”

Adrian looked at the security guards, then at the certified letter in his hand.

His chest rose and fell rapidly. He looked like he wanted to scream, but the presence of the guards kept him silent.

He slowly gathered the letter, leaving the green velvet box on the chair.

As they walked out to the street, the rain had started again. Adrian stopped on the sidewalk, staring in disbelief.

A tow truck was backed up to his luxury SUV. The leasing company, alerted to the default and the impending bankruptcy of Vale Logistics, was repossessing the vehicle on the spot.

Vivienne and Camille had to stand under the small awning of the club, holding their expensive bags, while Adrian argued with the tow truck driver in the rain.

I watched them from the club window, holding a warm cup of coffee. I felt absolutely nothing.

It took 3 months for Vale Logistics to declare bankruptcy. The assets were liquidated, and my father’s firm recovered most of the loan. Adrian was forced to sell his luxury items, and he is currently working as a dispatcher for a regional shipping firm, living in a small apartment in a run-down part of the city.

Vivienne and Camille moved back to Chicago. They do not send messages anymore.

Today, the sky over Grand Rapids is clear and blue.

I am sitting on the balcony of my penthouse. The marble floor is clean, free of muddy shoes. I am packing a small suitcase for a business trip to Paris with my father.

My hand feels light without the emerald ring.

I looked down at the empty space on my finger.

I smiled, closed my suitcase, and walked out the door.