Colleagues and Friends Envied Svetlana—She Captivated a Successful, Mature Man. Andrew Was Fifteen Years Her Senior and Managed the Company Where She Worked.

Jane was the talk of her office and circle of friendsshe had enchanted an older, successful man. Richard was fifteen years her senior and the director of the company where she worked.

Shes only just joined, and already shes getting married, they whispered behind her back.

From rags to riches, another added, tongues wagging.

Jane herself never wanted to flaunt her relationship with the boss. Theyd begun seeing each other before she started at the company, without her even knowing he was the head. She went to her interview blind, and still got the job on the spot. Richard always claimed hed kept out of the decision, that HR made the call based on her experience and CV.

Jane discovered the truth later, and asked Richard to keep their relationship quiet. But some secrets dont stay hidden. The gossip about Richard and Jane spread like wildfire; nearly everyone dissected the widow and his young beauty.

Jane was never one to boast about her looks, convinced shed earned her position through talent, not her pretty eyes. But the rumour-mongers thought otherwise.

It hasnt even been two years since Helen died, and Richards already planning a wedding.

Helen, Richards late wife, had been the previous company owner. They were married ten years before tragedy struck, leaving Richard with her fortune and the business.

After that, becoming a sought-after bachelor, Richard retreated into himself, seemingly still grieving his wife, which only made him more of a magnet for women.

How faithful

Like a swan, sighed the ladies, casting wistful glances his way.

Richard was no heartthrob or ladies man, but his bank balance didnt go unnoticed. Jane, of course, fell for Richard for reasons other than his wealth.

Their meeting was comically ordinaryhe rammed her foot with his trolley at the supermarket checkout, ruining her tights and her suede shoes then scolded her for cutting in.

But Jane didnt flinch; she answered back so sharply he paid for her shopping and chased her through the shopping centre to apologise.

Please, forgive me Its been a hard day, Richard said, anxiously. Can I help you with your bags?

No, thank you. Ive got my car outsideIll be fine, answered Jane.

In truth, she had no car. She waited until hed walked off, then headed for the bus stop. Unfortunatelyor perhaps fortunatelyRichard drove the same way and spotted Jane waiting.

Hop in, he said, pulling up.

No, thank you.

Im not moving until you do, he insisted, blocking the way. Even the other bus-goers encouraged her to get in, so the road would clear.

Finally, she relented.

Once Richard stopped shoutingor running over her toeshe proved surprisingly charming. Jane even thought, at another time, they might have been friends. But Richard wanted more. Hed sworn, after Helen, hed never love againuntil Jane appeared. She was nothing like Helen, in looks or temperament.

Yet she drew him in, until he knew where she lived and waited by her door daily. Eventually, Jane agreed to a date. Not long after, she landed the job at his company. Was it coincidence? Perhaps.

Richard was immune to what staff said behind his back. He was happy and made no secret of his feelings. He didnt shower Jane with lavish gifts, but she was never short of his attention.

Jane liked the way he looked at her. She couldnt deny the appeal of a smart flat in central London, a flash car, and a secure future. So, she swiftly moved in and met his mother, Evelyn.

Evelyn was a quiet woman who doted on Richard. After his wifes death, shed moved in to care for the housecooking, cleaning, pressing shirts, running the household.

Jane didnt mind. She had no intention of being lady of the house and gladly enjoyed Evelyns meals. Everything ran smoothlyuntil Richard announced he wanted to marry Jane.

One thing unsettled her: Richard still wore his wedding band.

I still feel connected to Helen, he confessed. Jane didnt like it, and asked him to take it off.

All right If it bothers you, Ill remove it, he stammered.

Youre not married anymore. It feels like Im dating a married man, she explained. Richard agreed and tucked the ring away, and for a time, forgot about it.

When he finally proposed, Richard pulled a velvet box from the safe. They were dining on candlelight, live music playing softly, a glass of wine before her. At the bottom of her glass, gleamed a unique family heirloom set with a magnificent diamond.

Jane nearly choked when she discovered the ring.

Will you marry me? Richard asked, gently slipping it from her hand, ready to place it on her finger. But unexpectedly, Jane pulled away.

No.

What do you meanno? Richard was stunned.

I wont wear this ring.

Its a family treasure! Theres nothing like it. You cant imagine what its worth! he protested, flushing with anger.

I dont care what its worth. Im not going to wear something your late wife had before me.

Why not?

Because its a bad omen.

Dont be foolish!

Should I wear her dress too? Your mother told me its still in the wardrobe somewhere.

Never mind the dress; we can buy a new one. I just didnt want to buy new rings when we already have these twotheyre one of a kind. Just look at the workmanship, the gold

No. I wont wear something second-hand. I dont want to see yours either. She nodded at his old band. You know how I feel.

Is that your final word? he asked, brow furrowing.

Yes. Im sorry. Jane got up. The night was ruined.

I think we should take a break, Richard said, strained.

I was thinking the same.

Jane left; Richard didnt stop her. The musicians played on. The waiter brought the main course but the ring remained in its box.

At work, Jane avoided Richard, and he seldom left his office. That evening, Jane went home to her parents, who welcomed her and urged her to break off the engagement and find someone her own age.

Youre beautiful and clever! You dont need Richardhes much older, and a widower!

Jane said nothing. She wasnt sure. Richard was an excellent prospect for a husband, but his attachment to his late wife frightened her.

Days dragged on. Richard didnt call. Jane steered clear, then eventually called in sick, feeling unwell. The office was abuzz with news of their split.

Richard fuelled the rumours by growing ever more sour at work, snapping at his staff. Even his mother, Evelyn, was not spared. She tried to ask him about Jane, but he only gave vague, bitter answers.

The situation pained his loving mother. She saw her son hurting, unable to break the deadlock and make things right. In the end, she decided to visit Jane herself.

Evelyn?! Jane was surprised. She wasnt expecting guests.

Hello, sweetheart. How are you feeling?

Im all right, just been a bit ill.

Thats why you moved out? So you wouldnt pass it on to me? Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

Not exactly. Jane blushed.

Then come back home. Richard is lost without you.

Hes not showing it much, Jane replied, lips pursed.

Hes proud, thats all. He wouldnt even tell me what went wrong. What happened? You do love each other, Evelyn coaxed.

He wants me to wear his late wifes ring.

I see So, if not for the ring, everything would be all right?

He needs to let it go. Sell it, buy something else. I cant bear wearing something another woman wore before meit would always be in my mind. Even the stones hold her energy.

I agree with you, Jane. I think Richards just not ready for marriage again. He still clings to Helen, even though he loves you.

You cant build something new on the ruins of the old, Evelyn, Jane said gently. Thank you for coming. Honestly, it helped.

Evelyn left, heavy-hearted. Her son and Jane were so close, and yet so far apart. The ring was only a symbol; the roots ran deeper.

After another week of sick leave, Jane faced the prospect of returning to work. She dreaded seeing Richardhe hadnt called once. Hurt, she decided to hand in her resignation and seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Richard signed the papers, silently. He didnt say a word, just sat there, glowering.

Act your age, not your shoe size, Jane said as she left.

Nobodys ever refused me anything before he shot back.

Jane kept her peace. She saw the ring glittering on his finger as he signed her papersproof enough.

I did the right thing. Hell never let her go, she thought as she packed up her things. The weight lifted, and she felt certain in her choice.

Richard, meanwhile, bore a grudge for a long time, never understanding why Jane failed to appreciate him, and why she turned down his proposal, when hed been such a catch.