She took an exquisite square box from her handbag. The box itself was a work of art, crafted from rosewood.
She held the box out to Charlotte. "I was originally saving this as a dowry for my own daughter, but since I was never blessed with one, I want you to have it."
Charlotte’s head snapped up, and she quickly waved her hands in refusal. "Mrs. Rivers, I can't accept this. I appreciate the thought, but this is far too valuable!"
"You haven't even seen what's inside, and you already know it's valuable?"
"Anything that comes in a box like this is bound to be precious. I really can't accept such a generous gift."
"Take it." Mrs. Rivers's tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. "You know your mother and I were best friends. We made a pact back then that even if our children didn't end up together, I, as the aunt, had to leave a gift for your mom’s children, didn't I?"
Charlotte couldn't win against Mrs. Rivers's insistence. Before she knew it, the box was in her hands.
"Don't you dare try to give it back," Mrs. Rivers said, pressing down on her hand. "I gave it to you, so it's yours."
Charlotte could only accept it with a resigned sigh.
Seeing that she had finally taken the gift, Mrs. Rivers looked satisfied.
After a short while, Charlotte walked Mrs. Rivers to the hospital entrance. They said their goodbyes, and Mrs. Rivers got into her car.
Watching the car drive away, Charlotte stared at the exquisite, heavy wooden box in her hands, afraid to even jostle it.
That evening, as she arrived back at Midvale Estates and got out of her car, she received a WhatsApp message from Evander.
[Did you get the roses last night?]
Charlotte's fingers flew across the keyboard: [I did. They're in the storage room.]
Evander: [I should have known.]
Charlotte: [?]
Evander: [I should have delivered them myself.]

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