Selene's eyes sparkled with hope. As long as Aiden gave her the necklace, that would be enough. She would be satisfied.
Aiden had promised to give her everything as long as she asked for it. And wasn't it just a necklace? He wouldn't mind giving it to her.
She was sure of it.
But her confidence began to falter when, even after a second or two, he didn't respond.
She had been humble in her request. Why hadn't he agreed yet?
Hadn't it always been that way?
Hadn't he always given in, as long as she mentioned it?
It had always been like that.
Then what suddenly changed?
Feeling anxiety clawing at her, she quickly tried to add, her voice laced with urgency.
"Aiden, that necklace is important for an event that I have to attend next week. I thought of sending someone to get it for me at the auction, but I was too late. By the time I found out, it had already been bought."
She took a breath, "Fortunately, I came to know that it was you who bought it. I felt relieved, knowing that you wouldn't deny me," she added, deliberately weaving her trust into her words, making it harder for him to break.
"You know how particular I am about the details. If I don't get that necklace, I might end up skipping the event altogether. And I really don't want that —especially when I know I have easy access to it. So, can I please?"
Her voice was soft, persuasive. The kind that could make most men relent —no matter what was at stake.
Selene was sure that even Aiden wouldn't be able to refuse her.
But little did she know, she couldn't have been more wrong.
Just when she thought he would hum in agreement, his voice cut through the silence —firm and unapologetic.
"You can't have that necklace, Selene."
Her heart skipped.
"I did buy it," Aiden continued. "But I can't give it to you."
Hearing him refuse, Selene panicked. Her grip on the phone tightened, her voice rising with desperate insistence. "
Why? Is it because you are leaving soon, and might not have time to send it to me?" She paused briefly, then offered a solution, clinging to hope. "It's fine. You don't need to worry. I can make the arrangements. Just pass that necklace to one of your men, and I will send someone to pick it up. It won't be difficult."
From beside her, Olivia heard everything, and she couldn't help but be speechless.
Did the lady really think he was refusing because of some … inconvenience?
He was no one simple but Aiden Winslow.
His tone wasn't loud, yet it sent chill down Selene's spine.
Her jaws clenched and her nails dug into her palms until they nearly bled.
Still, she tried one last time, not ready to give up so easily. Her voice steady, and her smile bitter beneath the surface. "Then … how about I buy her another one?" she offered. "I will gift it to her. Anything she wants —I can provide in return to that one piece. You know I don't lack means."
Money was the last thing she lacked. And she was firm about her intention. So even if she had to sell her every asset just to get the necklace that Aiden chose himself … she would be more than willing.
But little did that no matter what she offers, it simply won't suffice.
Aiden's next words extinguished the flicker of hope that she carried.
"That won't be necessary," he said firmly. "If you need a necklace, I can arrange it. "I will speak to any designer you want —have a bespoke piece made just for you. Name the brand, the price and design, Emyr will go personally to make sure it's done."
Selene gritted. "Why?" she asked, restraining the fury she was feeling inside. "It's just a necklace. She won't be that petty to mind it, will she?" Just the mention of another woman in his life, make her feel the taste of poison on her tongue.
"She isn't petty, Selene," Aiden replied. "It's me. I can't see anything that belongs to my wife falling in other's hands —no matter whoever it is."
The line went silent for a moment as if he was letting the weight of his words sink in her bones.
Later, after a moment, he said, "It's time. I will have to go. You take care." He didn't wait for her to respond. "Once I land back home, I will ask Emyr to reach you regarding the necklace you want. Tell him the details and he will arrange it for you."
With that, he hung up the call.
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