Chapter 7

The subsequent occasion I delivered a meal to Zachary, Aria welcomed me with her typical zeal.

However, my attention was instantly drawn to the jewelry adorning her neck—an item I knew all too well.

I possessed an identical piece at my residence.

It was a present from Zachary for our anniversary. I still recalled how Aria had praised it then: "This necklace is stunning! Zachary has such refined taste. You're so fortunate, Natalie. Someone like me will probably never have the opportunity to wear something this exquisite in my life."

At that time, her comments had left me with a subtle feeling of discomfort.

Now, observing my necklace on her, that unease transformed into something far more distressing.

Detecting my stare fixed on her neck, Aria grinned at me, completely untroubled: "This necklace..." I began, my voice strained.

"Oh, this?" she replied nonchalantly, without hesitation. "Mr. Stone presented it to me."