Chapter 7: The Sapphire Truth

I went to the jewelry store to pick up the bracelet I had ordered—a gift for my mom. I wanted her to have the best. I had arranged the pickup time with the clerk, but when I arrived, he happened to be out. Still, he had already set out the blue sapphire bracelet I had carefully chosen. The stones sparkled beneath the glass, cool and perfect. The overhead lights made the blue sapphires shimmer, like tiny frozen lakes.

Just as I was about to take a closer look, a slender, fair hand reached out and picked it up.

"Derek, do you think this looks good on me?"

Lillian’s voice was soft and delicate, just like her. Her hand was smooth and unblemished, the blue stone making it look even whiter and softer.

"You look good in anything," Derek replied, his voice gentle, Adam’s apple bobbing, the affection in his eyes unmistakable. The words sounded rehearsed, a script I’d heard a thousand times.

"It does look good, but it’s not cheap..." Lillian said, glancing up through her lashes.

"If you like it, buy it. Don’t worry about the price."

The sales associate beamed, no longer paying attention to me, but instead flattering Derek and Lillian. "Sir, you are so good to your wife."

Lillian blushed. Derek didn’t correct the mistake; his ears turned slightly red.

At that moment, he met my gaze. In an instant, everything fell silent. The store’s overhead lights buzzed, and I realized I was holding my breath, waiting for the spell to break. Something twisted in my chest—old hurt, sharp and familiar. But this time, I didn’t flinch. I just watched. Maybe this was the moment I’d finally let go—or maybe it was the moment I’d finally break.