Chapter 11: A Gift and a Summons
Lila awoke to an empty bed, the lingering warmth of Alexander's body a distant memory. He must have left for work early, as usual. A sigh escaped her lips as she sat up, the weight of the previous night's argument still heavy on her chest. She felt a pang of guilt, a longing for the familiar comfort of his presence.
Suddenly, a soft knock on the door startled her. "Come in," she called out, her voice raspy.
Mrs. Evans entered, carrying a small, exquisitely wrapped box. "For you, Madam," she said, her expression a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Lila's eyebrows arched. There was no card, no sender's name. Intrigued, she carefully unwrapped the box. Inside, nestled on a bed of soft velvet, lay a pair of stunning emerald earrings, the gems the size of pigeon eggs. They were breathtakingly beautiful, the kind of jewelry that could only be afforded by the very wealthy.
A small note, handwritten on a delicate piece of ivory paper, lay beside the earrings. It read:
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things yesterday. -A"
Lila's heart softened. It was from Alexander. He had always known how much she admired these particular earrings, a piece from a renowned Parisian jeweler. He had even jokingly promised to buy them for her one day.
As she read the note, her phone rang. It was Alexander. "Lila," his voice was a mixture of worry and hope, "Did you see the package?"
Lila's heart skipped a beat. "Yes," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "They're… they're beautiful."
"I'm glad you like them," he said, his voice relieved. "Look, I know I was wrong yesterday. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. I'm truly sorry."
Lila felt a lump forming in her throat. "I'm sorry too, Alexander. I shouldn't have… I shouldn't have accused you."
"It's okay," he said gently. "I understand. But I need to see you. Come to the office. I have something important to tell you."
Lila hesitated. "Your office?"
"Yes," he insisted. "Please, come. I need to see you face-to-face."
Lila felt a shiver run down her spine. What did he want to tell her? Was it about Ethan? Fear, cold and clammy, gripped her. But she couldn't refuse.
"Alright," she agreed, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll be there soon."