Faux Vows, True Desires

Lucinda couldn't hide her delight as she graciously accepted the gifts without a hint of refusal. "Grandma, could you please help me put these on? Anything from you, I'm bound to cherish," she beamed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"The more, the merrier," she added, her grin widening.

"Amy," the elderly woman called out again.

Quickly, Amy appeared with two crimson jewelry cases.

"Grandmother," Amy said as she handed the cases to the old lady, who took one and nestled it in Lucinda's arms before reaching for the second.

"Grandma, what are these?" Lucinda asked with a gentle and surprised smile. "Are all these for me?"

Her grandmother chuckled, "These are the gifts your granddad and I had prepared for you. It's not our first meeting, but you've been away for over two decades, and only today have you returned. It's like our first meeting at home, so consider these a welcome gift."

"I wasn't sure what you'd fancy, but I remember when you were just a few months old, you'd always tug at the necklace I wore. You must have a liking for jewelry, so we picked out some fine pieces for you."

With a twinge of pride, the grandmother boasted, "These jewels aren't new purchases, but they are treasures from my personal collection, handed down to me as part of my dowry from your great-grandmother. In her day, she was a lady of high society, and her jewelry is not only valuable but also of great collector's worth."

Lucinda laughed joyfully, "Grandpa, Grandma, thank you both so much. You're too kind. I'll wear these treasures every day."

Stefan interjected with a playful remark, "Already kicking me to the curb, I see."

Knowing his wife was teasing to provoke others, Stefan maintained his composure, a gentle smile always gracing his handsome face, his gaze fixed on Lucinda. Even ten-year-old Molly Blue could tell that her brother-in-law was exceedingly fond of his cousin who had just returned.

a jewelry case, too," Molly piped up. As a child, she had always been doted upon by

her to ask for valuable gifts, but her grandmother had refused and

her grandmother's private collection, a sight so

returned, the grandparents had prepared such precious gifts for her, and Molly felt a twinge of envy. She knew that as a child, her fits of jealousy wouldn't be taken seriously

"Grandma, you can't stop loving me just because my cousin is back. You always

can grandpa and you give me one?" she

not wanting to squabble with

was indeed a deep pool of schemes, where even a ten-year-old knew how to play for affection. To survive here, one needed

"I'll give you two jewelry cases as well. Amy, fetch

went to

gifts. Don't take it to heart," Hayden said with a chuckle, secretly hoping

at

filled with anger

She was well aware his intentions Once, he had charmed his

now, everything precious was sent to

and sorrow. After decades together, her husband's affection had waned so quickly, so

the mother of his children.

s

shifted to Janice, who hadn't smiled since her return. Now, seemingly sane, she appeared as the elegant and poised