Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Got you something. I was over at the Island a while back, hit an auction with some buddies for kicks. They put this bracelet up, and bam, it caught my eye. Thought I'd snag it for my future daughter-in-law as a welcome gift." "I was starting to wonder if the kid would ever make a move. Well, now it's finally got its moment to shine."

Definitely auction-grade stuff.

We're talking at least six figures, maybe even seven.

"No way, Mrs. Gibson, I can't accept this." Leda was quick to push back.

If she were York's legit girlfriend, she'd gladly accept any bracelet, no matter the price tag. But that's just it—she wasn't the "legit" one!

Accepting a bracelet worth hundreds, maybe thousands? That just felt wrong.

"It's just a bracelet, nothing to get worked up over. Don't worry, this isn't me pressuring you or anything. I just wanted to give you a little something," Katrina said, pulling the bracelet out of its box and sliding it onto her wrist. "Perfect fit. Really complements your skin tone."

Leda thought, Imperial topaz, how could it not?

When they emerged from the room, York was lounging on the couch, all smiles. "What's all the secrecy about? Been chatting away for ages..."

"Alright, alright, you're just sore I hogged your girlfriend. Here, she's all yours now," Katrina said with a laugh, nudging Leda towards him.

"Mom, don't put it like that. I wasn't even..." York started, his chin up in defiance.

That afternoon, Leda treated herself to a spa session that felt even better than anything she'd experienced at any salon.

Heading downstairs for a glass of water, her phone rang just as she reached the living room window.

"Hello?"

remember

narrowed slightly, recalling that night at the hotel. A

you never called... thought you'd forgotten

voice

your

left it on the

Really?

the nightstand on her

You're calling

even more

agonizing over

mustered

smile grew wider: "What to do, you're making me feel sorry

"Really?"

gold," she

"when can we meet

"How

Crash!

with a thunderous look,

time,

wasn't dike at the

at the