Sarah’s chest tightened. Every part of her wanted to refuse, but her hand trembled as she took it from him. The ring felt heavier than it should, as though it carried the weight of something she wasn’t ready to face.

“Goodnight,” she murmured, turning away before he could read her face.

Nathan stood watching as she disappeared into the shadows, the ring clenched tight in her palm.

And as the night closed in, he wondered if what he had just returned wasn’t only a ring—

but the ...