Becomes

Chapter 0115

Serena’s POV

Ever since Eden’s ‘review‘ of my jewelry went viral, the shop has been like a ghost town for a couple of days.

Sunlight filters through the front windows, casting shadows on the wooden floor. The display cases, once crowded with customers, now stand empty. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings lie untouched.

Behind the counter, I touch the carved wooden edge. The register lack of sales.

creen is blank, a stark reminder of the

Stevie is out today for her photography gigs, leaving me alone in the shop, feeling defeated.

“Might as well get some work done,” I mutter under my breath.

I grab my notebook and start sketching ideas for our summer collection. I draw delicate floral patterns for necklaces and playful seashell shapes for earrings, but frustration quickly sets in. None of my ideas seem good enough.

With a sigh, I crumple the paper and toss it aside. Rubbing my temples, I feel a headache coming on.

Suddenly, the bell over the door chimes. I perk up, my heart skipping a beat. Someone is entering the shop. I quickly smooth my hair and try to look composed. The door opens slowly, and I see a shadow before the figure steps inside.

“Oh, it’s you,” I say as I see Calvin enter.

He’s wearing a white long–sleeve button–up shirt, open just enough to reveal a bit of his chest hair. His freshly cut hair is short on the sides and slightly longer on top, neatly styled and giving him a clean, sharp look.

Calvin frowns, his eyebrows knitting together and a slight crease forming on his forehead. “I get you’re still mad at me, Serena. But can you please act more excited to see me? I feel like we haven’t seen each other in forever.”

I cross my arms. “What, do you need me to roll out the red carpet or something?”

“Are you trying to be sassy?” Calvin chuckles. “I knew we’d have our first fight somehow, but I had no clue you’d look this adorable.”

I narrow my eyes at him, annoyance bubbling up inside me. “Not funny, Calvin!”

How could he find this amusing? Yet, I can feel my cheeks heating up. I quickly turn away, hoping he doesn’t notice I’m blushing.

“Hey, I come in peace,” Calvin says with a calming tone. “I should have come here earlier to fix things between us, but I was in Belgium on a business trip.”

I take a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly leave my shoulders. I straighten up, smoothing down my blouse, and turn to face him again. “It’s fine. I’m over it now.”

“Doesn’t look like it,” Calvin says. I then notice he is holding a large, vintage brown suitcase in his hand. He hesitates for a moment before stepping closer. “Anyway, I saw this at an auction and thought of you. I

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Chapter 0115

hope you like it.”

Calvin carefully hands me the suitcase. Its leather surface is worn but polished, and the brass latches gleam under the shop’s lights,

I take the suitcase from him, my eyebrows furrowing at the unexpected weight. It’s kinda heavy. I place it on the counter and open it.

Inside is a beautiful gemstone carving set. There are chisels, hammers, and engraving tools with polished wooden handles. Compartments hold rough gemstones in various colors, ready to be shaped. A magnifying glass and a small booklet with instructions complete the set.

I gently touch one of the tools, feeling the smooth wood under my fingers. “Calvin, this is amazing,” I say, awe in my voice. “But it looks like it costs way too much. I can’t pay you back for this.”

Calvin sighs, “It hurts that you think I’m asking something in return for this gift.”

I don’t want to upset Calvin, and I realize I can really use these tools for my upcoming summer collection. Taking a deep breath, I look up at him and smile. “Thank you, Calvin. I really appreciate you getting this for

me.”

Calvin smiles widely, like a little boy who finally got his favorite treat. “That’s more like it.”

How can I stay mad at Calvin when he’s being this sweet? Maybe all that drama with him and Bill is just a misunderstanding.