After the Wind: My Goodbye Chapter 1

Matthew's favorite phrase was "just wait a little longer."

Wait until his startup stabilized to get our marriage license; I waited two years.

Wait until his mother's attitude softened to have the wedding; I waited another three.

In the fifth year, at Matthew's thirtieth birthday dinner, his mother publicly slipped off the antique emerald bracelet from her wrist.

Passing down the family bracelet to acknowledge the daughter-in-law was an old tradition in the Brandt family.

I thought, finally, the waiting was over.

"Here, give me your hand."

But Matthew's mother bypassed my outstretched hand, sliding the heavy emerald piece firmly onto Mary's wrist instead.

The entire table went dead silent.

Mrs. Brandt patted the back of Mary's hand with a fond smile. "Mary grew up with our Matthew. We are all one family anyway."

My hands were still resting on the tablecloth, my fingertips turning icy.

Someone at the table whispered, "But what about Nora?"

Matthew leaned in close, lowering his voice. "My mother is sentimental, Norie. Don't take it to heart."

"I'll buy you a haute couture necklace on my business trip next month. Be good, just wait a little longer."

Mary held up her wrist right in front of my face, a smug smirk playing on her lips. "Be honest, Norie, isn't it beautiful? Mrs. Brandt said this is a priceless family heirloom."

I said it was beautiful.

Right then, my phone buzzed in my purse.

"Have you made up your mind? When are you coming to Paris?"