TwojaStrona

"Give back your mother-in-law's jewellery. You're not worthy to wear it."

Vera held out her hand, palm up, as if she expected tribute. Her friend Alice stood just behind her, nodding like a judge who had already passed sentence.

"Julia, do you understand what you're saying? Irene herself gave them to me. In front of everyone. At Michael's christening."

"Gave them? She got carried away. Those earrings and that ring were always meant for me. It's our family history."

Vera looked at her sister-in-law without surprise. She had noticed those glances at her own ears whenever she wore her mother-in-law's earrings. But she had expected at least some decency.

"And does Irene know you're here?"

"She asked me to come. She couldn't do it herself – she felt awkward. But you understand it's the right thing."

Alice stepped closer, showing solidarity.

"Vera, admit it – it's odd to cling to something that isn't yours. Julia is the daughter. You married in. It makes sense that family heirlooms stay in the family."

"Married in. Interesting choice of words."

"Don't take offence. It's just the way things are. You had a baby, you got attention, gifts. But jewellery is different. It's a memory of generations."

Vera slowly raised her hand to the earring. The gold petal with a tiny diamond was cool against her fingers.

"Julia, I'll return them. But not to you. To Irene personally. And with Nicholas present."

"Why drag my brother into it? He has nothing to do with this."

"He does. This concerns our family. Yours, mine, and his."

Julia exchanged a glance with Alice. Worry flickered in her eyes.

"You want to cause a scene?"

"No. I want clarity. If Irene has changed her mind, let her say it herself. I'm not a thief who returns things in secret."

"You're deliberately making this difficult."

"I'm making it simple. Tomorrow. At your parents' house. Six o'clock."

Nicholas came in as Vera was putting their son to bed. Michael was already drowsy, clutching a stuffed dog in his fist.

"You've been quiet tonight. What happened?"

"Your sister came by. With her friend for moral support."

Nicholas stopped in the doorway of the nursery.

"Why?"

"She demanded I give back the earrings and ring. Said your mother regrets giving them to me. That the jewellery was always meant for Julia."

He was silent for a few seconds. Vera saw his jaw tighten.

"Is that true?"

"Which part?"

"That Mother asked for them back?"

"According to Julia, yes. Irene supposedly felt too embarrassed to tell me directly. I'm asking one thing – be there when I return them."

"You're going to return them?"

"Yes."

He came closer and took her hands.

"Wait. Mother gave them to you in front of everyone. It was her choice. Julia is just jealous."

"Maybe. But if Irene genuinely regrets the gift, I won't cling to gold. What matters to me is knowing where I stand in this family."

"You stand beside me."

"That's a nice line. Tomorrow I'll see what it's worth."

Nicholas looked away.

"Are you angry with me?"

"Not yet. I'm giving you a chance. And myself one too."

"What chance?"

"To see the truth. Without illusions. If your mother says she wants the gift back, I'll hand it over without a word. But I want to hear it from her."

"And if she doesn't say that?"

"Then Julia gets a lesson. And you'll know who you're living under the same roof with."
Zostaw „KONTYNUUJ” poniżej ⬇️ kolejna część jest już w drodze!