Page 36 of A Twisted Gift

“I started attending a new private school once I was moved in with my uncle. He was kind, and so were my cousins, but they never truly understood who I was. To this day, I love them, and I know they love me, but we never fully clicked. It was lonely.

“In high school, I lost myself in my schoolwork. I played football for a few years before switching to wrestling. Graduated valedictorian—do you know what that is?”

She nods. “Marissa did, too.”

“I went to college, studied business and economics, and graduated a semester early. And every night, I thought of you.”

“Me?”

“You were the one thing holding me together.” A sad laugh escapes me. “I had no idea if you were real or not, but you gave me something to live for. When I was younger, I didn’t know what your father had done, only what I’d seen when he dragged you away from me. I told myself that I’d grow up to be as rich and powerful as him, and that one day, I’d solve the mystery. I’d find out if my Rose existed, and if she did, I’d save her.”

“And you did,” she says, her smile a mix of relief and concern. “You stole me away.”

“I just wish I’d done it sooner.” I brush my lips over her knuckles even though I shouldn’t. “The past few years have been a blur for me. I’d almost given up on the idea of your existence. I’d been trying to get information on you for so long, but all I heard was rumors. Gossip.

“But then I heard of an auction. At first I brushed it off until I heard who was putting it on. The one and only Charles Montgomery. And what was up for sale? A girl with blue eyes and honey-brown hair. I knew it was you. That this was my chance. So I—”

My phone ringing interrupts me. My employees know better to call me on Christmas Eve, so I pull it out, seeing my uncle’s name on the screen.

“Hold on, Raina. This might be urgent.” Doubtful, but I take the call anyway. “Good morning, Joseph.”

“Morning. I just wanted to make sure everything is all right. Are you really not joining us for Christmas?”

“Something came up. I know it’s not ideal, but—”

“With work?”

I hesitate. “No.”

My uncle sighs. “Whatever this is, Erik, you have to let go of it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do! Something has followed you around your entire life. It’s consumed you. I’ve always thought it was unhealthy, but even you have to admit this is a step too far. Spending Christmas alone? Don’t do that to yourself, Erik.”

I pull out my wallet, opening it and staring at the single rose petal that I’ve kept in there for years. It was my anchor, keeping me tethered to Raina when I was at my weakest points. This way, I always had a part of her with me.

Standing, I begin to pace next to a few empty tables. “You know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I love you—I love all of you. But I can’t come home yet. There’s something I have to do.”

It wasn’t in my original plan, but now that I’m here again, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself. Every time I step foot in that damn house, memories rush at me, and it takes everything to keep myself from drowning in them. And now, hearing more about Raina’s life, about what Charles did to her…

It has to be done.

“I know you’re chasing after something,” my uncle says, “but at some point, you have to let yourself live your life. Whateverthis is, you’re obsessed, and it’s not healthy. I don’t want you to miss Christmas over a ghost. Whatever it is, is it really more important than family?”

“Sheisfamily.”

“So it’s a person,” he says thoughtfully. “Where are you?”

“Exactly where I need to be.”

“Erik—”

“I’ll see you soon, Uncle Joe. Merry Christmas.”

With that, I ignore his protests and hang up. But when I turn back to our table, my heart stops.

Raina is gone.

---