A pang of melancholy gripped Karina, but she collected herself and offered a smile.
âNo, a friend came back into town today.
Rosalynn and I went to celebrate, so I couldnât join you for dinner.
â
Virgil nodded, withdrawing a small box from his pocket.
âThis is for you, Karina.
â
Karina blinked her eyes and accepted the box.
âIs this a present for me?â
âYes, I messed up earlier and wanted to make amends.
I hope you Like it.
â
A wave of warmth washed over Karinaâs sadness.
Opening the box, she found a butterfly brooch.
It shimmered under the light, almost as if ready to take flight.
âItâs lovely.
I appreciate the beautiful brooch.
â
A smile spread across Virgilâs face.
âAnnalise was right.
She knew youâd Like it
Karinaâs smile faltered.
âDid you shop for this gift with Annalise?â
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âYes, she chose it,â Virgil confirmed.
Karina felt a sudden tightness in her chest.
Annalise had joined Virgil on his shopping expedition, and it was she who had selected the brooch.
Was Annalise going to influence all aspects of Virgilâs life from now on?
âKarina, have you changed? Come down when youâre ready!â Denisse called from downstairs.
Swallowing hard, Karina forced down the lump in her throat.
She cast her eyes downward.
âLetâs go, Virgil.
Mom is waiting.
â
âAlright .
â
Oblivious to her changing mood, Virgil led the way downstairs.
Karina cast a final glance at the box before tossing it aside.
Taking a deep breath, she followed him down.
Upon reaching the living room, she found her father was absent.
Denisse, seated on the sofa, beckoned Karina over.
Karina sat next to her and noticed several photographs sprawled across the table.