Irwin immediately grinned. "Mom, open it! Hurry!"

Briony lifted the lid of the jewelry box.

Inside was a pale lavender crystal bracelet.

These had become quite trendy this year.

"Mom, they said something about this year being special-the lady selling the bracelet tried to explain, but it was all so complicated I didn't really get it... Anyway, she said wearing this kind of purple crystal is supposed to be really good luck right now. I want you to be happy, so I bought it for you!"

There was an innocence in her child's words that went straight to Briony's heart.

She stared at the bracelet nestled in the box, her emotions tangled.

Once upon a time, a gift chosen so thoughtfully by Irwin would have moved her deeply.

But things had changed.

Now, looking at the crystal bracelet, all she felt was a heavy, conflicted ache-any trace of warmth or joy was long gone.

Irwin noticed her silence and grew anxious. Did Mom even like the bracelet?

you

out of her reverie, closed the box, and forced a

slipped the box into her bag, unfolded a small blanket, and

If you

she could lie down, Briony turned away to face the window

shoulders drooped. Disappointed,

been sleeping a lot. Sure enough,

first class, Stella and James kept a close

flight passed without

at Cloudcrest International Airport. Briony had put together the travel itinerary, but Stewart had handled all

the airport to the rental house, Briony barely spoke a

on the other hand, chattered nonstop, determined to keep things

at the house and went to check in, Stella

Irwin spotted James instantly.

gaped and pointed at James in surprise. "What are you doing

point, neither James nor Stella bothered

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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