Chapter 3
Blake shot me a sidelong glance, his voice glacial. “Let’s not get carried away. Emma’s destined for Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.”
His dismissive words cut deeper than any knife. He hadn’t bothered to deny their perfect match, nor acknowledge me – his actual fiancée. Instead, he’d defaulted to his favorite excuse: her musical career.
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. How had I been so blind? I’d wasted years loving a man whose heart belonged in someone else’s hands.
Emma nibbled her lower lip, feigning concern as she turned to me. “Oh Claire, don’t listen to all this silly gossip.
in Paris. I hope
They’re just teasing.” She reached for her Hermes bag. “Here, I picked up a little something for you
you’ll like it!”
She pr
presented me with a Cartier box. Inside lay a pair of aquamarine earrings that made my blood run cold.
My eyes darted to the matching necklace gracing her throat, and suddenly everything clicked into place.
That wasn’t just any jewelry set. It had been custom–designed by Blake to match my tastes exactly. The necklace was meant to symbolize his commitment to our engagement. I remembered the jeweler mentioning they’d used the remaining stones for a pair of matching earrings- a thoughtful touch for the future bride.
Now here I sat, being handed those “leftover” earrings while my engagement necklace adorned Emma’s neck
A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it.
Blake’s social circle, who’d never approved of me, seized the opportunity. One of them smirked under his breath, “Look at her, treating table scraps like treasure.”
Across the room, someone gushed. “Emma, that necklace is absolutely divine!”
Emma’s fingers traced the central stone with practiced delicacy. She cast a demure glance at Blake. “Just a welcome home gift from Blake. He promised something even more spectacular after my concert debut.”
Drawing a measured breath, I said, “Interesting choice, Blake. That aquamarine suite, unless I’m mistaken, was cut from the Sterling family heirloom. Six months in the making, wasn’t it? Traditionally reserved for the future Sterling bride.” My voice remained steady. “You must feel very strongly about Emma.”
Blake shifted uncomfortably while conversation around the table died. The implications hung heavy in the air.
The heirloom necklace meant for the future Mrs. Sterling – me, Blake’s fiancée now graced Emma’s neck. She’d proudly announced it was a gift. The message couldn’t have been clearer.
Emma jumped to her feet, awkwardly fumbling with the clasp. Her perfectly manicured hands trembled as she lowered her head. “Oh God, Claire, I had no idea this was meant for you. I never should have… How could I be so thoughtless?”
Chapter 3
As she spoke, tears spilled down her cheeks. Her shaking fingers tangled in her hair as she struggled with the necklace. She yanked at her hair in frustration, voice breaking. “Blake, please help me take it off.”
Blake’s expression darkened. He caught her hands gently. “Emma, stop. I gave it to you. It’s yours. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about wearing it.”
Then he turned on me, eyes flashing. “It’s just a piece of jewelry, Claire. I didn’t realize the Bennett family’s eldest daughter could be so petty. Making a scene over a necklace? Really?”
“That stone belongs to the Sterling family my family,” he continued coldly. “I decide who gets it. Since we’re not married yet, you have no claim to it. And frankly, it suits Emma better.”
His voice turned harsh. “I agreed to marry you – isn’t that enough? Does it matter if I give jewelry to someone else? The position of Mrs. Sterling is still yours. What more do you want?”
Emma dabbed at her eyes, a small smile playing at her lips. “Really? My concert gown happens to be cerulean blue. This will match perfectly. Thank you, Blake. You always know exactly what I need.”
I rose from my seat, suddenly feeling very calm. “No need to get defensive. I was simply admiring the depth of your feelings for Emma. There’s no need to overreact.”
With deliberate movements, I slid the jewelry box back toward Emma. “These earrings were cut from the same Sterling heirloom. Since they’re part of the set, you should have them too. It would be a shame to break up such a perfect match.”
