Page 38 of Divine Obsession

My breath stopped when I opened the last gift.

A gold, elegant necklace with the most beautiful pendant I’d ever seen: a rare, pink heart-shaped diamond.

So gorgeous, I was sure my eyes were glowing.

Not only did it match everything in my closet, but also my birthday dress.

“Will you?” I asked Kali, who nodded eagerly. It was around my neck within seconds.

Bringing my hand up, I felt the precious diamond underneath my palm.

It was easily the most beautiful gift I’d ever received.

“I love it!” Throwing my hands around Kali’s neck, I kissed her cheek, making her laugh. “I promise to never take it off!”

When we pulled away, Kali lifted her champagne glass in the air. “To the birthday girl!”

The night went on.

Everyone was dancing, drinking, laughing – having a good time.

I wished I could do the same.

I had. For a while.

But there was the unshakable feel of a black cloud looming over me and my life – despite all of the blessings I’d recently received.

I tried to seem happy. I was surrounded by everyone I loved.

Everyone except Maria.

Chapter 9

16years old

MARCH TWENTY-EIGHTH.

Maria’s and my birthday.

Well… It definitely was Maria’s.

Mine… I mean, maybe?

Unlike her, I’d never been able to get a hold of my documents and paperwork, so I didn’t know my birthday. We were kids when we decided to simply share the same date.

We were still celebrating together tonight, like we did every year.

She was turning fourteen while I was turning sixteen. In September, she’d finally join me as a freshman at our local high school.

I was waiting for her at our favorite spot in Little Italy, a restaurant calledIl Piccolo Moretti.

I’d first brought her here a couple months after she arrived at the orphanage, and the adults had their eyes off her since she stopped trying to run away. We sneaked out one night, rode the Line 6 subway and got off a couple blocks down.

I always managed to get a table since I was a regular. I’d been coming here at least once a month since I was a kid. I wouldnever run away from the orphanage; that didn’t mean I didn’t sneak out every once in a while.

I didn’t remember much of my life before the orphanage, but I remembered my mom liked this restaurant. The reason? I wished I knew.

Coming here, a place she loved… Made me feel closer to her.

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