Chapter 10 The Jewelry Shop

Claire’s POV:

Eddie sent me a message saying that mom's condition has worsened. But my savings are limited. I remember the pieces of jewelry Colin gave me, all stored in a box, especially that diamond-studded bracelet, it must be quite valuable.

That night my mind was in turmoil. I must have read Eddie's message over and over, my mind spinning with countless ways to make money, but none could put out the fire that was upon me.

Returning to the Watson family for money was out of the question. Now, it seemed my only option, was something I didn’t really want to do.

Quietly, I closed my bedroom door, pulled open the drawer of the cabinet, and took out the silver box. The jewelry shone brilliantly in the moonlight. I lifted the bracelet, hesitating for a long while before carefully wrapping it up and slipping it into my pocket.

The next morning I arrived at the jewelry store with the bracelet. I handed it over to the clerk, wanting to know how much it was worth.

"Hmm, this is quite nice," the clerk said with a nod and a light laugh. "Miss, although this bracelet's design is a bit old, it's a classic, and it's made of superior materials. It's rare to see both the gold and jade of such high quality these days."

"How much is it worth?" I asked, looking at her expectantly.

"You mean to pawn it?" she asked with a smile, leading me to a small room in the back. A few professional instruments were laid out on the table. She told me to wait a moment and left.

I sat there, looking around. The opulence of the jewelry store surpassed my expectations. I didn't have much hope before coming here.

I thought the diamond-set bracelet looked old, and given Colin's means, he couldn't have given me anything too valuable. Yet, to my surprise, the clerk made me stay.

As I waited anxiously, the clerk returned from the room with a grin. "Miss, our expert has just appraised it. We would love to purchase it from you. We can offer you one million dollars for the bracelet."

A buzzing rang in my ears, and I was stunned into silence for a full ten seconds. One million dollars? I clenched the bracelet tightly, my expression involuntarily revealing my inner struggle.

The price was way beyond my expectations. I had not imagined that the jewelry would be so valuable. With this million dollars, not only could I cover my mother's current medical expenses but also her future ones, and I could send Eddie to a better school.

But it was a wedding gift from Colin. My heart stirred, and I frowned slightly. Then, Colin's words when he handed me the jewelry box flashed through my mind. ‘This is all my worldly possessions, entrusted to you. From now on, you manage our home.’

I bit my lip, guilt washing over me. He had given me everything he could, and how was I honoring his sincerity?

"Miss, are you not happy with the price?" the clerk asked with a careful apologetic smile. "Regarding the price, we can still negotiate. Here, take a look at our records and then..."

"I won't sell it!" I stood up abruptly, quickly stashing the bracelet back in my bag.

"But..." Before the clerk could react, I had already run out of the jewelry store.