Chapter 6: Dangerous Gifts

David’s eyes were shadowed, his mouth set like he’d swallowed bad news. I kept my head down, trying to slip past him, but he stepped into my path.

He pressed a cool green pendant into my hand. His palm was warm, the pendant heavy. I recognized the pattern from his mother’s old jewelry box.

"Ava, if you ever need help, bring this to me."

His voice was low, earnest. For a heartbeat, I saw the boy I’d once saved from the cold, the one who’d promised me the world.

I stared at him, torn. "Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

He blinked, taken aback. "What?"

I squeezed the pendant. "I’m Mrs. Caldwell now. If anyone sees us, my reputation’s finished. David, I never had dealings with you before, and I don’t plan to now."

My voice was steady, but regret flickered in my chest—a memory of old gratitude, maybe even a twinge of loss. But I shook my head and pressed the pendant back into his hand. The past belonged to another life, one I’d left behind the moment I married in.

The air between us buzzed with things left unsaid. As David slipped away, the bells on my ankle jingled—a reminder that secrets never stay buried long in this town.