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CHAPTER TWO
Two things had lead to a nauseous feeling clinging to Ines. For once, she had woken up to Amanda denying giving her the gift. Second of all, her father told her it wasn't him that had left the gift in her room. He had apologized for forgetting her birthday, writing it off as buying incredibly busy and not having the time to even send her a text. He promised he would make it up to her, she had heard that before.
While she was sad over it, her brain was occupied with thinking about the gift, even more of the giver.
The town was quiet despite it being Saturday, the rain causing most people to avoid the outside. She entered the small jewelry store with a heavy heart, rehearsing the conversation in her head.
"Can I help you darling?" The elderly woman spoke, beaming happily.
"I was gifted a necklace from here, I was wondering if you remember who bought it?" She spoke.
"I remember that! Such a pretty piece. I promised the gentleman to keep it a secret, he was quite determined that it needed to be unspoken."
Gentleman? It couldn't be Ben.
"That's strange, I have one male friend and I'm sure it's not him. I don't know why anyone would gift me something so expensive anonymously?"
"Well, it must be a secret admirer. How romantic!"
Ines didn't think of it as romantic, she found it odd. Knowing she wouldn't get anything out of the woman, she thanked her and left.
She found it strange that a man had purchased the necklace. She found it terrifying that he knew where she lived and had somehow gotten it into her bedroom.
It had to be someone she knew.
A stranger wouldn't do something so absurd.
Spend money and break into a home to leave a gift. It seemed like the opposite of a robbery.
It had to be someone who knew she wanted the necklace, which made it someone she knew.
Her mind was crumbling with questions, her nerves making her on edge.
Once she arrived home, she noticed a package on the doorstep. Her brother ordered things all the time so she picked it up and carried it inside, frowning at the name written on front.
Ines.
She was sure she hadn't ordered anything lately. Her aunt sometimes sent packages to them but it seemed odd.
Putting it on her bed she couldn't help the curiosity building. Had her dad ordered a birthday present?
She opened the package, finding a note.
"To my pretty girl,
Yours - W"
If the note wasn't alarming, the gift was even worse.
