Page 38 of Vintage

I felt my eyes widen, and I swallowed hard. How could I have overlooked this until now?

"Darius... I just remembered something... and you might want to see it. Can you come to my house with Reese and your things? I need to stop by Ro's studio first." After we settled on a time, I hurried to the counter, grabbed the pecan pie, and paid for the food and drinks.

I resented having to cover the cost for that bitch, but it wasn’t the old lady’s fault and she deserved to be compensated for her work.

"Thank you for coming... And... Amery..." she paused, her eyes shining with genuine concern. "I don’t know how your struggles connect to this town, but remember, it’s not just about the gossip and rumors. We truly fear what lurks in the shadows of this place that no one dares to explore."

I frowned, puzzled by her words.

"Polly, what do you mean by that?"

She quickly grabbed her notepad and fountain pen from the cash drawer, scribbling furiously.

"I may not be as educated or knowledgeable as you, Amery, but I know this town better than anyone. That girl you just met understands it just as well as I do. Having lived here for so long, I can sense when something is off, and she doesn’t fit in here... I’ve always enjoyed a good romance," she said with a light chuckle, but I could only manage an awkward smile in response.

"I suppose most people do." That was unexpected...

"I support those whose relationships transcend mere loyalty, respect, and trust. These qualities are fundamental in any connection, whether with friends, family, or a true ally. However, what truly unites these essential elements into something profound—a promise, a vow, and a blessing—is genuine, passionate love. I can see it when it ignites. You and Amir were one of my favorite couples for a reason. It was the mist of passion that lingered in your eyes, evident in your actions. I want to shield that from the darkness you both are battling. So, go and meet this girl, Amery. She is the only one who can assist you."

I nodded, stepping back and turning away.

"Come back to visit us."

I couldn't manage to whisper a simple thank you, nor could I force myself to meet her warm gaze again, because doing so would mean confronting something within me that I still believe I lack the courage to face.

The townsfolk were aware of the events between Ro and me, but what Polly just expressed carries more weight than mere whispers, rumors, uncomfortable stares, and gossip.

It was the truth that I received a gift when I chose to love Ro. If she too sensed that something sacred was under threat, then my doubts might not be entirely unfounded. Yet, I still find myself questioning whether I truly know who my husband is. Was what transpired between us was a result of my newfound understanding, or had it always been there, a truth I was cleverly kept from recognizing?

With a heavy heart, I stopped by Ro's studio.

The space has gathered dust, and just around the corner before the narrow hallway leading to his office is his work station. On that wooden table lay his latest creation. The stunning dragon remained unfinished.

I moved closer, gently brushing the dust away, and my eyes fell upon the small emblem and his signature.

Ro was meant to deliver this dragon months ago. It was one of the most valuable and expensive pieces in his studio, yet the transaction never took place.

I’m not sure who commissioned this, but it came from someone in the Middle East, for whom, this piece represented power and a sacred legacy. It would have drawn a lot of attention to Ro, and his name could have also cast a shadow over the Middle Eastern market, unanimously garnering the limelight for him and as his wife, all I wanted was for him to succeed.

As I traced his signature, I paused at the dragon's feet, feeling engravings that were both familiar and unfamiliar to me.

I understand that many commissions include engravings that reflect the owner or the purpose of the artwork, but I don’t always know the details behind them.

It had been over a year since Ro began this project, dedicating countless hours to it.

After dusting a bit more, I squinted and concentrated. Even with the lights on, I struggled to read it clearly because the wood was still rough and unpolished.

Yet, somehow, I managed to decipher the words.

For my beloved wife, Willow.

I gasped, my throat tightening, as I stepped away from that piece to a different corner of the room.

What on earth did I just read?

My thoughts became increasingly chaotic. Just when I felt I was beginning to understand who Willow was, I found myself back to square one.

In the midst of my conflicting thoughts, I hurried to Ro's office to retrieve the ring we discovered that day at the manor. Despite my hesitation, I also grabbed the documents he had concerning the dragon piece.

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