"Ruby, I only picked that out for Claire. If you don't like it, you don't have to accept it. There's no need for violence, is there?"
I sneered.
"I hit you because you deserve it. Did you think I'd throw away a watch worth hundreds of thousands over a single strand of hair? I'm not that stupid."
I shifted my gaze to Claire, eyes cold.
"I can't stop people from being cheap. But if you think you can fish a single cent out of my pocket, you're dreaming."
Colin bit his lip, expression shifting. Finally, tears trembling on his lashes, he turned to Claire.
"Claire, please don't involve me in your marriage anymore. My life is hard enough. I don't want to be a scapegoat for your arguments."
He sniffled, wiping his eyes. "I never thought about money or... hair. I might not be educated, but I have dignity. I have a child to raise. The innocent have nothing to hide... but if rumors destroy me, who wins?"
Claire seemed to snap out of her daze. She turned on me, defensive.
"Ruby, you've gone too far. Apologize to Colin. Now."
I gripped the watch so hard the metal edges bit into my palm. That sting was nothing compared to the ache in my chest.
I had loved Claire for seven years. Married for three.