home with a gift. It was a b

it out. "For being so unde

et him fasten it around my wrist, the cold metal feeling

'm taking Scarlett to dinner at The Grand

ut Liam, that bracelet... it's a bit much for me. I think it would look much better

confused. "But I

ppy. And seeing her wear it... it would be a beautiful gesture from you." I was

giving Scarlett such a personal, expensive gift, a

the bracelet was gone from my wrist an

house unannounced. She was wearing the bracelet.

said calmly, not look

k of the sofa. "I just came to see you." She held up her wrist. "Liam gave me

was clear: I win

you," I said,

r. She walked closer, examining the painting I was working on. It was another piece inspired by h

, aren't you?" she asked

replied. "I paint

fight, and I was refusing to give her one. Liam came home then, and his fac

! What a

ovely dinner," she said, leaning into him

arlett. He offered her a drink, led her to the couch, his hand lingering on her back. He was completely absorbed in her, lost in the world I had so carefully constructed. He didn't notice me at all,