It was late. The world outside was hushed, the only light in the sky coming from the stars–no fireworks, nothing to disturb the darkness.
Just beyond the gates of the Thomas Estate, a hot air balloon touched down on the grass. The old manor stood quietly, windows aglow against the night.
Inside, Jonathan had just finished his shower. He stepped out, robe cinched at his waist, the faint scent of soap clinging to his skin.
Miles away, on the highway to Ironhaven, a white BMW sped through the night, swallowing mile after mile, leaving streetlights and shadowy woods in its wake.
Niamh was at the wheel. Time was running out.
She tapped her Bluetooth headset and dialed someone from AOD.
“I want that gemstone,” she said, voice clipped. “I’m on my way–I’ll be there soon.”
A man’s voice crackled through the earpiece. “Sorry, Miss Rivers. We’ve already sold
it.”
“What?” Niamh nearly slammed on the brakes.
“You promised to hold it for me until tonight!”
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“Well, your husband bought it. Said it was a gift for you.”
Niamh’s mind reeled, the image of Jonathan tonight surfacing–so different, so uncharacteristically attentive. She couldn’t tell if he’d suddenly grown a conscience, or if his grandfather had forced his hand.
One way or another, Jonathan had been… good to her tonight. Gentlemanly. Thoughtful. Even romantic.
When he’d asked her to spend the night at the manor, she’d assumed all his kindness was just a prelude to that request.
Truth was, Jonathan hadn’t touched her in ages. But it wasn’t as if he lacked other options–especially with Marina living with him now.
Niamh doubted he’d go through all this just to get her into bed.
She’d refused his invitation. And knowing Jonathan’s temper, she’d half–expected him to insist, maybe even force her hand. She’d stayed on guard the entire time, right up until the hot air balloon landed.
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But Jonathan hadn’t pressed. Apart from telling her to drive safe, he’d said nothing.
more.
Niamh exited the highway and pulled over, her heart a tangled mess.
What was Jonathan really up to? Had he… remembered her? Remembered the girl she’d been back at the Juvenile Rehabilitation Center?
She reached for the gift box Jonathan had given her, unwrapping it with trembling
hands.
Jonathan hadn’t acted like someone lost in nostalgia, but according to AOD, the birthday present he’d bought her should have been the rough ruby with the heart–shaped fissure–the one she’d wanted most.
Her breath caught in her chest. If Jonathan had truly remembered, remembered their promise from back then…
She peeled away the wrapping. Inside was a small jewelry box, just big enough for a single uncut stone.
Her anticipation peaked. She flipped it open.
A gemstone rested inside.
But it wasn’t the ruby with the heart–shaped flaw.
Niamh froze, confusion and disappointment washing over her. Something wasn’t right. Before calling AOD again, she dialed Jonathan.
It rang several times before he picked up.
“Hello, Jonathan…”
“What’s this? Changed your mind?” His voice was wide awake, no sign of sleepiness.
“If you come back now, there’s still time.”
The comment stung, but Niamh forced herself to stay on track.
“AOD told me you bought the gemstone I reserved…”
“I did.”
Just the one word.
Niamh’s anxiety spiked. “They said you bought it as a gift for me.”
There was a long silence on the line. Finally, she heard Jonathan’s voice–a low,
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amused chuckle.
“Marina liked that gemstone too.”
Niamh’s mind went blank, like she’d been struck by lightning.
“But I was the first to want it…”
“But you didn’t buy it.”
“I reserved it, though.”
“So?”
Jonathan’s retort left her speechless.
Back at the manor, he lay on his bed, phone pressed to his ear. He glanced at the
antique clock hanging on the wall.
It was already past midnight.
Chapter 152
It was no longer Niamh’s birthday.
