Everything had been perfect. So why was this thread anklet causing problems now?
I looked down at my palms with an embarrassed expression. I had shared the joy of reunion with familiar faces and even enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Vikander mansion in the capital.
So, just before bed, I had thought this would be the perfect moment to give Edwin a gift. I had even packaged it in a pretty velvet box to make it properly presentable.
After Hannah departed with a broad smile—as though saying "just leave it to me"—I opened the box one final time to check. And I let out a sigh of disappointment.
The seams of the thread anklet in my hands were loose and broken.
Knock, knock.
When there was a rap at the door, I answered in my confusion. And I had missed an important detail—he was the only one who would be coming in now.
"I heard you have a gift for me?"
It was Edwin. Seeing his excited face, I reflexively hid my hands behind my waist.
The corners of Edwin's eyes curved slightly as I made it painfully obvious I was concealing something. His sparkling crimson eyes studied me for a moment—the hands conspicuously hidden behind my waist, the troubled expression on my face.
It seemed a small problem had arisen, but Edwin pretended not to notice and simply looked expectant. Because he already knew what the gift was.
"Oh, that is..."
I had made a mistake. Perhaps I should just call it an invitation instead. It seemed I had mentioned having a gift for no good reason.
I spoke without thinking.
"There was a gift—"
"There was...?"
"No, it is nothing. Ha ha."
I was the only one smiling in the quiet room. Edwin's eyes widened at me—and then he lowered his head in dejection.
Feeling sorry for him, I secretly extended the hand I had been hiding behind my back.
"Actually, I do have a gift for you. But a small problem arose."
His eyes continued to examine me patiently. I opened my carefully clenched palm. And I watched Edwin's reaction—half anxious, half expectant.
"How is it?"
"It is such a beautiful thread anklet."
His voice was as sweet as melting spring snow. As the tension dissipated, Edwin met my gaze and asked:
"Is this the same as Olivia's?"
"Only the colors are different. Everything else is identical."
This was a black and red thread anklet I had made specifically for Edwin.
"It is very beautifully crafted. I have heard you are quite skilled with your hands."
I felt a little flattered by the continued admiration. My eyes narrowed as I looked at him, searching for any gap in his expression. Then I spoke, regret lacing my voice.
"It needs repairs. As soon as we return to Vikander territory, I will fix it and give it to you properly."
"What if I prefer it as it is?"
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