She froze, looking up with terror in her eyes.
"Mr. Morozov..."
"That bracelet. Let me see it."
"This... this is just..."
"Give it to me."
Isabella picked up the bracelet with trembling hands and offered it to me.
I took it, examining every detail between my fingers.
The scratches on the chain, the gem cuts, the clasp workmanship—everything matched my memories perfectly.
My finger traced to a particular spot—near the clasp, where an incredibly fine welding mark caught the light.
Years ago, this bracelet had been broken. I'd sent it for repair, and the craftsman used the most exquisite technique to mend the break. But even the finest craftsmanship leaves traces. And here, in the exact same location on this bracelet, the telltale welding mark stared back at me.
My heart felt crushed by an invisible fist, breath stopping entirely.
"Where did this bracelet come from?" My voice came out hoarse.
Isabella trembled from head to toe.
"It was... Noelle gave it to me..."
"When?"
"Before the wedding... I saw it at her place and took it back..."
I seized her wrist. "This was originally yours?"
"Yes... I'd had it for years, wore it almost daily... then it disappeared..."
"When did you lose it?"
"Three years ago, in winter... around Christmas..."
My breathing grew labored.
"Three years ago," I spoke each word deliberately, "did you save someone in South District?"
Isabella's eyes went wide suddenly.
"Was... was that you?" Her voice broke. "So that person was you..."
"Continue."
"That day I attended mass at the church... on my way home, I saw someone covered in blood in an alley..." She wiped away tears. "I was terrified, but I went over anyway..."
"Then what?"
Her face flushed crimson. "I heard people coming... got so nervous, and I... leaned in very close..." Her voice grew smaller. "I don't know what came over me... maybe I was too frightened..."
I remembered that night. That inexperienced kiss.
If that girl was her, why was she so embarrassed about that kiss? Shame? Or perhaps... mortification at having done such a thing with a complete stranger?
