As Matilda reached for the box with trembling fingers, Zafron held his breath. She slowly lifted the lid, and her eyes widened in awe.
"Oh my..." she breathed, carefully lifting a stunning gem necklace from its velvet cushion. The jewels caught the light, sending prismatic reflections dancing across her face.
Zafron's stomach twisted as he watched her expression transform. The worry lines that had creased her forehead just moments ago smoothed out, replaced by a look of wonder.
"It's... it's beautiful," Matilda murmured, her earlier reservations seemingly forgotten. She held the necklace up to her throat, admiring its sparkle. "You know, this would go perfectly with some of the dresses I've been eyeing. Actually, I could use some new clothes altogether."
Zafron's jaw nearly hit the floor. 'What the hell?' he thought, bewildered. 'Is this the same Matilda who was just fretting about the Governor's intentions?'
