That's how reciprocity works.

Ines wasn't the type to refuse easily, so she agreed.

Timothy stood up and said, "Please, come with me."

Jessica, unable to leave the villa and uninterested in meeting Timothy's guest, made her way down to the basement.

The basement housed the collection room.

Inside, Timothy's precious treasures were displayed-rare items he'd collected over the years.

Jessica rarely came down here, but the place was always spotless. She only checked in during the damp season to make sure nothing was getting musty; she never paid much attention to the objects themselves.

Her heart and mind were filled with thoughts of Timothy-these items were just his trappings, things that added to his aura.

She didn't want them, nor did she envy them.

The only thing she wanted-greedily, desperately was for Timothy to love her.

With nothing else to do, she wandered among the displays, letting her eyes linger on the items.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps.

unmistakably

And another set-his guest.

Jessica always tried to stay out of sight. She'd heard Mabel mention that Timothy sometimes

things to sell to

a small storage room

Ines into the collection

stepped in, she was

of impressive means, but seeing this in person

with exquisite taste-paintings,

feel free to pick whatever you

widened in

guest today

she'd

the state she was in after getting married, Jessica knew she

known. Many people would love to work with you-and now I see

hard it hurt, her eyes

person who'd always been

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