Every moving part had been checked, double-checked, and then checked again because I do not believe in the concept of “just good enough.”
It felt good, satisfying even, to have the day unfolding exactly as planned. A miracle, actually, considering the scale.
I reached my room, intending to only grab my charger and take a quick peek at my makeup in the mirror before diving back into the next wave of logistics, confirming the bands’ rehearsal time, reviewing the drone-light choreography, and making sure Lucas didn’t crash the VIP arrivals with whatever inappropriate enthusiasm he’d apparently woken up with today.
The air inside my room was cool and faintly perfumed with the lavender sachet that was placed on the dresser.
Everything looked exactly as I had left it that morning.
Almost.
My eyes flicked to the bedside table and froze.
The drawer was open.
Barely.
The tiniest sliver, a whisper of space where it should’ve been flush.
For a second, I didn’t move.
My brain tripped over the logic of it. I’d shut that drawer last night. Irememberedthe click of it closing. I’d even tugged it to check.
A small, stupid sound left my throat, half a sigh, half a laugh, as I crossed the room. Probably nothing. Maybe the cleaner had opened it, or I’d left it ajar.
Except when I pulled the drawer open, the air left my lungs completely.
It was empty.
The velvet box was gone.
The space it had occupied, that small little rectangle, was still imprinted in the fabric like an accusation.
I just stood there, gripping the drawer, waiting for my brain to catch up.
No box. No brooch. No… anything.
I yanked the drawer fully open, rifling through it, as if it might’ve slipped behind something.
Nothing.
I checked the others, scarf, folder, mints, all still there.
I moved quickly around the room.
I checked the wardrobe, the bathroom, even under the bed.
Zilch.
I sank slowly onto the bed. A wave of heat flushed up my neck. My pulse was everywhere, in my temples, my fingertips, my throat.
Okay,think.
Had I moved it?
No. I hadn’t.
I could see myself now, kneeling by the drawer last night, slipping the navy velvet box inside, shutting it in carefully.
