#Chapter 194: Forget Her

Arthur “Arthur, darling, what do you think of this one?” I glance up from my lounge chair on the hotel balcony to see Veronica modeling yet another new dress—this one a shimmering red number that hugs her curves in all the right places. She gives a little twirl, the fabric catching the light of the setting sun. “Beautiful, darling,” I say automatically. “Absolutely stunning.” “You think so?” She smooths her hands over the fabric. “It’s not too much for dinner tonight?” “Nothing is too much for you,” I hear myself saying. The words feel distant, like I’m not really saying them. Veronica beams, pleased with my response. “Perfect. I’ll take it, then, along with the blue one and the black one.” She leans over and plants a kiss on my forehead. “You’re so generous, my love.” I watch as she disappears back into our suite, where three anxious-looking boutique assistants are waiting with more dresses, more shoes, and more jewelry. We’ve been in the trop