Chapter 73
Chapter 73 An Exchange of Gifts
+10 Free Coins
The more Naomi insisted, the less Arabella wanted to open the box. It was just a present- why was Naomi making such a big deal about it right now?
“I’m actually pretty hungry. I’m going to grab a bite first,” Arabella said, rising from her seat and heading toward Florence in the adjoining kichen.
“Hey, wait-” Naomi called after her, but it was too late.
Watching Arabella walk away, Naomi sighed inwardly. She’d given Arabella one of her own favorite necklaces–why wouldn’t she just open in front of everyone?
She’d gone to the trouble of parting with something she loved, and now it felt wasted. How frustrating…
Seeing that Arabella hadn’t opened the jewelry box in front of the others, Ruby leaned in and whispered, “Naomi, what do we do? She didn’t open it.
“Should I go over and open it for her p>
“No, it has to be her. Don’t make it awkward. Let’s just leave it for now,” Naomi replied softly,
From across the room, Arabella nibbled on a cracker and glanced casually in Naomi’s direction.
She noticed Ruby whispering something to Naomi again, and Naomi didn’t look too pleased.
I wonder if Ruby’s talking about me. After a moment, she took her snack and headed upstairs.
“Naomi, she went upstairs again,” Ruby reported quietly, always tuned in to Arabella’s
movements.
“Don’t worry about it. She’ll come down for dinner. Let’s just wait here,” Naomi murmured back.
Ruby let out a quiet sigh. Maybe Naomi should have said she had a gift for Arabella in the first place.
Now they were stuck keeping an eye on the box til Arabella returned,
“Dad, why did you bring that piece down here? What if someone accidentally damages it?” Naomi asked, finally noticing Jonathan carefully examining the vase he usually kept securely displayed.
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Chapter 73 An Exchange of Gifts
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Jonathan didn’t look up. “This belongs to Arabel. I’m just keeping it for her–it’s not mine p>
Hearing that, Naomi’s brows drew together as she looked at the delicate porcelain vase in his hands. “Arabella’s? Did she get this at the auction too p>
“Yes,” Jonathan answered simply.
“This looks expensive… Where did she get that kind of money?” Naomi asked, surprised. How much allowance were her parents giving Arabell anyway?
Enough to buy two pieces of art and a vase like this?
“I provided her with the funds,” Jonathan said calmly, his attention still fixed on the piece.
Naomi fell quiet. So her parents were giving Arabella significantly more spending money than she received.
The thought left her feeling a little deflated.
“Naomi, what’s wrong?” Ruby asked quietly, noticing Naomi’s distant expression.
“Nothing,” Naomi replied softly.
Just then, Arabella came back downstairs holding a small, neatly wrapped box.
She walked over to Naomi and smiled. “You giving me a gift earlier reminded me I never actually got you a proper gift when I moved back.
“This is for you,” Arabella said, handing the box to Naomi.
Inside was one of her latest designs–a pendant far more detailed and refined than the one Naomi had given her. Maybe it would lift Naoms spirits a little.
Not that Arabella felt obligated to make Naomi feel better, but she also didn’t want Ruby later claiming she was rude or cheap.
Since Naomi had given her something, it only felt right to return the gesture.
Hearing Arabella’s words, Jonathan smiled warmly. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Arabella. It’s good to see you looking out for your sister p>
Arabella gave a slight nod.
Holding the box, Naomi felt a faint sense of relief. So Arabella had gone upstairs to get something for her after all.
“You really didn’t have to, Arabella. I’m your sister–looking out for you is what I’m supposed
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Chapter 73 An Exchange of Gifts
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to do. You didn’t need to get me anything,” Naomi said politely, though she kept hold of the
box.
Beside her, Ruby shifted impatiently. Why was Naomi acting so hesitant? If Arabella was offering a gift, she should just take it.
And if she didn’t end up liking it, well, she could always pass it along to Ruby.
“You should accept it, Naomi. It’s a nice gesture,” Ruby said quickly, before Naomi could say anything else.
Naomi glanced at Ruby.
“Ruby’s right,” Arabella added smoothly. “It’s just a small gift. Please take it–that way I won’t feel awkward about the gift you gave me p>
Looking down at the box, Naomi realized refusing now would seem rude.
She met Arabella’s eyes and smiled. “Thank you, then. You really didn’t have to spend anything on me p>
“Don’t mention it,” Arabella replied, her tone easy and light.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.