He waved over the waiter to serve our food, then turned back to me. “How are the pearls? Did they meet your expectations?”
My smile faltered, but I nodded. “They’re nice, but I was surprised to find out I have another set exactly like my custom-made pearls.”
I let my words hang in the air, watching as his expression shifted slightly.
“Maybe there was a mix-up. I can check this afternoon,” he said, but his eyes darted away.
I felt my heart turn to ice, knowing it was all lies. He looked at me, probably wondering why I was so quiet. I had always been the one to fill the silence, to share my thoughts and dreams with him.
At first, he was patient, even engaging. But ever since Lila came back from her training, he grew more distant. He’d interrupt me or change the subject entirely, saying, “Girls are cuter when they talk less. Just be quiet, Calla.”
His comments stung, but I’d brush it off, thinking he was joking. I didn’t realize how obvious his disinterest had become until now.
Looking back, I felt foolish. How could I have ignored the signs?