Page 65 of Lakehouse Promises

She checked online to see what time the pawn shop opened. Thankfully it opened at seven. Plenty of time to go by there before going in to work.

Chapter 41

Carolina waited patiently for the jeweler to examine her diamond ring. It was at least two karats with diamonds around the band.

“Mrs. Johnson, how much were you wanting to get for the ring?” He frowned.

“Well, I know that it’s two karats. Not counting the smaller diamonds, I think it should be worth at least ten thousand dollars. I checked online.”

“The shape and cut for a diamond this size is worth quite a lot. You’re right about that.”

“That’s great.” She smiled.

“But there’s a problem. This isn’t a real diamond.”

“Excuse me? Of course it’s real. I’ve had it for almost twenty years.”

He cringed. “Ma’am. It looks like your husband…”

“Ex-husband.” She corrected.

“Yeah. It looks like your ex-husband gave you a cubic zirconia.”

“But that’s impossible. The ring belonged to his mother. He gave it to me when we got engaged.”

“Hmmm. That would explain it.”

“Explain what?”

“Well there are tiny marks on here which show the original diamonds have been replaced with fake ones.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”

“What?” She felt like she’d been hit in the stomach.

“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but this ring is basically worthless.”

A brief second of hurt scraped across the expanse of her heart. It didn’t last long. It was quickly drowned out by the wave of anger washing over her to the point she was seeing stars.

Her jerk of an ex was a truly pathetic person. How had she ever fallen in love with such a monster? Worse, how was she going to pay Thomas now?

“Ma’am, are you okay?” the man asked gently.

“Not really.” She scooped up the rings and shoved them in her purse. “Thank you for your help.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”

She made her way outside and headed toward her jeep. Jennifer was standing outside her shop looking at her window display.

“Hey, Carolina. How are you doing?” She smiled brightly.

“Not well.” She pressed her fingers to her temples.

“You look like you are about to faint. Come inside and sit for awhile.” She gently grabbed her elbow.

“I can’t. I’ve got to get to work.”

“You can get to work after you come in and sit. I insist.” She guided her inside the store and flipped the sign to Closed. She led her behind the counter and had her sit on the tall stool.

“Now sit here until I get some hot tea for you.” She hurried to the back of the store. When she reappeared she was holding a hot cup of tea in a delicate white and yellow teacup.