She barely kept herself from moving away from the bed. Or was she just imagining it?

"I think we should part ways," Jess said quietly.

She removed the ring from her finger and placed it on the bedside table.

And then she hurried away.

***

Jess walks through the art gallery, catching admiring glances from men and envious looks from women.

She does not need men - after Brent disappeared, Jess decided that she would be left alone. But their attention raises self-esteem.

She walks with her heels clacking and her shoulders squared, knowing she looks dazzling in her hip-length slit sapphire blue evening gown. And more like not a...