Chapter 6 - THE FAVOR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Three weeks after moving to New York, I received a package.
No return address.
Inside was a small wooden box.
I opened it.
A silver bracelet.
Simple.
Delicate.
With a tiny engraved star.
I recognized it immediately.
Vincent had given it to me on our first anniversary.
I had left it behind.
Beneath the bracelet was a note.
You forgot this.
—V.
I stared at the handwriting.
Then laughed bitterly.
Of all the things Vincent could have sent, he chose the one gift that had actually meant something to me.
I placed the bracelet on the table.
Then my phone rang.
Vincent.
I hesitated.
Answered.
“Hello.”
His voice was quiet.
“Claire.”
“What do you want?”
“Did you get the package?”
“Yes.”
A pause.
“Good.”
I looked toward the window.
“Vincent, you can't keep sending things.”
“I know.”
“Then stop.”
He exhaled.
“I'm trying.”
I closed my eyes.
“Trying what?”
“To figure out how to apologize without making everything worse.”
I stared.
For a moment, I almost smiled.
Then I remembered the divorce.
The empty mansion.
The flight.
The hospital.
I looked down at my stomach.
“Vincent.”
“Yes?”
“Do you remember the favor?”
Silence.
Then his voice changed.
“Of course.”
“You promised you would owe me one.”
“Yes.”
“No questions asked?”
He hesitated.
Then answered.
“Within reason.”
I almost laughed.
Even now, he negotiated.
I took a breath.
“Then I want you to do something.”
“Anything.”
I swallowed.
“Leave me alone for six months.”
The silence was immediate.
Then Vincent whispered, “Claire…”
“That's my favor.”
He said nothing.
I continued.
“No calls. No messages. No gifts. No visits.”
His breathing changed.
“Six months?”
“Yes.”
A long pause.
Then he answered.
“If that's what you want.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“It is.”
He swallowed.
“Then I'll do it.”
I closed my eyes.
“Thank you.”
Before ending the call, he whispered:
“Claire?”
“Yes?”
“I hope you're happy.”
I looked down at my stomach.
May you like
Then answered softly.
“I'm trying to be.”
