Page 52 of Twisted Fate

Over the years, regret consumed her and the more time that passed, the less hope there was of mending their relationship. That was until tragedy brought them back together. Since they reconnected, it was like no time had passed at all, despite their long estrangement. They picked up right where they left off.

“Hey, Vance,” Emily said, finally taking notice of me. She gave me a quick hug, and I wrapped my free arm around her.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, attempting to sound casual. I didn’t know she was coming over, but Delilah was clearly expecting her. She mouthed a silent “sorry” as I peered at her over Emily’s shoulder.

“I came to spend some time with Charlie,” she explained, pulling away. “And Delilah is going to help me find some apartments to look at.”

“My friend Melody sent me some listings to check out,” Delilah announced. I hadn’t met any of Delilah’s friends—for obvious reasons—but she talked about them a lot. I remembered her mentioning Melody was a real estate agent, and since Emily had recently moved back, it made sense that she’d have her friend help Emily find her own place. She was currently living with her parents, but she didn’t want to be there long term. She was used to living on her own.

Regardless, I was glad she was back. Darla and Jim needed her. They needed to be close to their remaining daughter. I hoped having her home would help them mend their broken hearts.

I swallowed hard at that thought, an ache settling in my chest. “I’d better get going. Good luck with your search,” I offered, smiling through the pain. It still hurt to think about Sarah, but the pain lessened a little more each day. I suspected Delilah had a lot to do with that.

45

Delilah

It wasthe Saturday after Thanksgiving, and everyone was putting up their Christmas decorations. The park where Charlie had her playdates was unveiling a new Christmas light display tonight. They went all out every year. You could stroll through the park with a cup of hot chocolate warming your hands or cruise around the outside in your car. The weather was mild, so the three of us planned to don our jackets and brave the crowd so Charlie could see all the displays. Vance and I were going to pick her up from Darla’s. She'd spent the night with her grandparents last night, so I stayed over at Vance’s and we had the house all to ourselves.

I slipped on a sweater and my favorite jeans and stepped into my knee-high boots. They were comfortable and warm, making them perfect for a walk around the park. I applied a dab of perfume on my pulse points and finished the look off with some jewelry. Clasping my favorite necklace behind my neck, I slung my jacket over my arm and headed downstairs.

I was in the living room when Vance came downstairs, freshly showered and dressed for the evening. He looked hotter than any man had a right to in a simple outfit of jeans and a Henley. My stomach dipped at the sight of him scrunching the sleeves of his shirt up his lean, tan forearms. It didn’t matter how many times I had this man, I never stopped wanting him. He sauntered over to me with a lazy grin, his gaze dropping from my face to the subtle cleavage exposed by my V-neck. The smile fell from my lips, and a dark expression washed over his features.

“Take that off,” he demanded, pointing to my chest. At first I thought he was talking about my shirt and normally, that would send a thrill right through me, but his tone was laced with fury, not lust. Something was wrong.

“Wh-what? Why?” I glanced down my body, trying to figure out what was wrong with my outfit. Lifting my gaze, I stumbled back a step at the rage burning in his eyes.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” he seethed.

“I-I don’t know what—”

“How could you do this?”

“Do what?” I asked, confusion turning to irritation.What does he think I did?

“Steal Sarah’s necklace!”

Stunned disbelief had me shaking my head. “I didn’t. This is mine,” I declared, clutching the silver charm dangling from its chain.

“Like hell it is!” he roared, gripping my arm. He pulled me toward the mantle where a framed photo of his family sat. I swallowed hard as I took in the picture. Charlie looked to be about three, so it must’ve been taken last fall before Sarah’s tragic passing. Reluctantly, I shifted my focus to my cousin, and a sharp ache settled in my chest as I studied her face, so much like mine it was almost like looking into a mirror. My gaze fell from her beaming smile to the necklace that hung around her neck. The familiar twisted teardrop charm lined with tiny gems and one round diamond nestled in the center rested against her chest. It was the exact same necklace I was wearing now.

A wave of nausea rolled through me, and I nearly doubled over at the sensation. He thought I’d taken a piece of Sarah’s jewelry. I would never dream of stepping foot inside the bedroom he shared with her without his knowledge or permission, let alone take something that belonged to Sarah.

My grandmother had given me the necklace as a Christmas gift just before she passed a few years ago, and I’d cherished it ever since. It was the last gift she'd ever given me. She must’ve given Sarah the same one.

“Vance, let me explain.” I held up my hands pleadingly, but he cut me off.

“No. You had no right to touch her things!”

“I didn’t,” I cried. “This ismynecklace!” Tears stung the backs of my eyes. There was no reasoning with him. He was convinced I'd taken it, and I wouldn’t be able to change his mind.

“Dear God,” he whispered, the color draining from his face. “You’re trying to replace her, aren’t you?” Pain sliced through me at the accusation.

“What? No! I would never—”

“Has that been your plan all along? Was it just about me, or was this some sick, twisted attempt to get Charlie back?”

“Vance, listen to me,” I began, begging for him to think rationally as my heart slowly cracked open. How could he think that?

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