The bedroom was quiet except for the soft hum of the chandelier.
Mrs. Harrington stood before the mirror, adjusting her blouse, when her eyes caught the reflection of the young maid standing nervously in the doorway. Around the maid’s neck hung a magnificent emerald pendant framed in diamonds, glowing softly against her dark uniform.
Mrs. Harrington turned slowly.
“Where did you get that necklace?”
The maid’s hand flew to the pendant. Her eyes widened with fear.
“There are only two like this,” Mrs. Harrington continued, stepping closer. “One disappeared years ago.”
Tears began to form in the maid’s eyes. Her voice trembled.
“The nun who raised me said it was the only thing my parents left me. I’ve had it since I was a baby.”
Mrs. Harrington’s face changed completely. She walked to the antique dresser, opened the top drawer with unsteady hands, and pulled out a small velvet box. She opened it.
Inside lay the matching emerald necklace on a silver chain.
Mrs. Harrington stared at the two identical stones, then at the crying girl in front of her. Her voice cracked as she whispered the words that changed everything.
“Then you are mine.”
The emerald seemed to glow brighter between them.