Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 173

The two of them held each other close, neither willing to let go for a long, lingering moment.

It wasn't until Effie caught a glimpse of what looked like a shadow at the upstairs window that she finally stepped out of Lyman's embrace.

"It's getting chilly out here. Why don't we go back to our room?" she suggested. "Alright, let's go," Lyman agreed with a gentle nod.

With so many relatives visiting the old house today, Lyman knew Effie might be feeling a bit out of place-especially since this was her first time meeting Uncle Healy and Uncle Fowler's families. It was a lot for anyone to take in at once.

Back in their room, Effie tapped her forehead and laughed. "Look at me, I nearly forgot! I have a New Year's gift for you. Wait here, I'll get it."

Lyman just smiled, his eyes warm and knowing. It was as if their thoughts always moved in perfect sync-he'd prepared a gift for her too.

They exchanged presents, each trying (and failing) to hide their anticipation.

Effie reached into her bag and pulled out a velvet box, handing it to Lyman with a hopeful look. "Open it-see if you like it?"

the box, glanced up to meet her gaze, and slowly lifted the lid. Inside was a vintage silver pocket watch, its casing engraved with intricate vines and blossoms.

his fingers lightly over the photo. His

"I snipped it out last time I was going through the photo albums. And the watch—I had it custom-made in Switzerland. They

snapping the watch shut and

deep blue velvet jewelry box and offered it to her. "Seems we

took the box, opening it with trembling hands. Her breath caught. Nestled inside was a platinum necklace strung with a striking blue diamond. Under the lamplight, the gem shimmered like the heart of the ocean. On the back of the diamond's setting, she spotted two tiny engraved letters: E &

a strand of hair from her

happy tears. She clutched the necklace, then rose on tiptoe and pressed a gentle

she thought, to be cherished like

darkened. He took the necklace, his warm breath brushing her ear as he fastened the

diamond sparkled brilliantly in the light, resting right at the center of Effie's collarbone. Lyman's long

rougher than usual. "It's

remember something. She tilted her head to look at him. "An auction? When did you go to that? Didn't you say you were traveling for

closer. "I was. The conference ended early, and

brushing his thumb along her shoulder. "The moment