CHAPTER 176: AN OLD JEWELRY BOX

The tea Lilith had given her earlier had worked wonders, though Charlotte still felt a bit lightheaded. A maid had arrived shortly after, informing them that Vanessa had requested their presence in her chambers. With a shared sigh, the two girls dragged themselves up the stairs to her room.

Lilith knocked twice on the door.

"Come in!" Vanessa’s warm voice called from within.

They stepped inside, instantly greeted by the comforting scent of jasmine that always seemed to linger in Vanessa’s room. She stood by her vanity, sorting through a collection of hairpins. When she saw them, her face lit up with delight.

"Lilith, Charlotte," she said, walking over with open arms. "Thank you both for coming."

"We planned to visit you this evening anyway," Lilith replied with a warm smile as they exchanged a brief embrace. "I didn’t see much of you at the ball."

"Forgive me for that, I was extremely busy," Vanessa said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I had to make sure everything was perfect."

"And it was perfect," Charlotte added with a small grin. "You hosted a beautiful ball, Vanessa."

Vanessa’s eyes softened at the compliment. "Thank you, Charlotte. You’re too kind. I hope you girls enjoyed yourselves?"

Lilith glanced at Charlotte with a knowing smirk. "Oh, I believe Charlotte enjoyed herself quite thoroughly."

Charlotte rolled her eyes, waving a dismissive hand. "Please, let’s not relive my disgraceful night just yet."

Vanessa chuckled and motioned for them to sit. "I’m just glad you both attended and had fun. That reminds me, Lilith, I have something for you."

"Mother, you don’t..." Lilith began, but Vanessa raised a hand to gently cut her off.

"Nonsense," she said with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "I picked it up at the market recently. It’s in a box on top of my wardrobe, but it’s quite high, and I can’t reach it. Lilith, would you mind?"

"Of course not," Lilith replied, rising to her feet. "Where exactly is it?"

Vanessa pointed toward the wardrobe tucked in the corner of the room. "There’s a white box with gold trimmings sitting right at the back. You’ll need to stand on the stool."

Lilith nodded and made her way over, dragging a small stool across the floor as Vanessa followed behind, giving directions.

While the two busied themselves at the wardrobe, Charlotte’s attention drifted elsewhere.

Her gaze wandered around the room, landing on the dresser against the adjacent wall. It was adorned with an assortment of perfume bottles, combs, and trinkets. But what truly caught Charlotte’s eye was a small jewelry box. Though clearly aged, it still held a quiet elegance that made it stand out amidst the other items.

Curiosity tugged at her.

Charlotte glanced over her shoulder. Lilith was still occupied, standing on her toes to retrieve the box as Vanessa offered her instructions.

Quietly, Charlotte crossed the room to the dresser. Her fingers brushed lightly over the surface of the jewelry box before she carefully lifted the lid.

Inside, resting on a velvet cushion, was a simple golden necklace. It had a heart-shaped pendant with a strange symbol etched into its surface. Charlotte’s breath hitched, her heart stumbling painfully in her chest as she stared at it. A wave of emotion surged through her as there was something profoundly familiar about the necklace.

But why was it here? Why would Vanessa have this?

Before she could process the thought any further, footsteps approached, and the soft murmur of voices drifted back in her direction. Panic gripped her.

She quickly snapped the jewelry box shut and stepped away from the dresser just as Vanessa and Lilith returned.

"Found it!" Lilith chimed, holding the white box in her hands.

Charlotte turned to them, her heart still thudding in her chest, though she forced a composed smile onto her lips.

Vanessa opened the box and reached inside, pulling out a beautifully embroidered purple scarf.

"I thought this would suit you, Lilith," Vanessa said with a broad smile, carefully folding the scarf and holding it out.

Lilith’s eyes widened as her fingers gently traced the silky fabric. "It’s beautiful... Mother. It’s the loveliest scarf I’ve ever seen or owned."

Vanessa’s smile deepened. "I’m glad that you love it."

Lilith’s cheeks flushed with gratitude. "Thank you. Truly. I’ll treasure it."

Charlotte stepped closer to admire the scarf as well. "It really is stunning. The color is perfect for you, Lilith."

Vanessa beamed, clearly pleased. "I’m so glad you think so."

Charlotte nodded, her expression calm, but her mind was elsewhere, haunted by the heart shaped pendant now tucked away in that jewelry box. A quiet knot had formed in her stomach, one that refused to ease.

Why was it there? How did Vanessa get the necklace? It certainly couldn’t be the same one, could it?

Charlotte’s thoughts spun, but her attention was pulled back when she heard Lilith speak.

Lilith carefully folded the scarf and placed it back into the white box. "Thank you so much, Mother. I will keep it close to my heart," she promised softly.

"I know you will, my dear Lilith," Vanessa replied, her eyes glimmering with affection. Then her gaze shifted to Charlotte. "Are you alright, Charlotte?"

Charlotte blinked, looking between Lilith and her mother. "Me? Yes, of course. I’m alright," she answered with a nervous chuckle.

Vanessa eyed her, not entirely convinced. "Are you sure? You seem a bit lost in thought."

Before Charlotte could respond, Lilith spoke up. "She’s still recovering from a headache. She drank too much last night."

Vanessa’s eyes widened slightly. "Oh, my dear, forgive me. Do you need anything to help with the headache or the pain?"

Charlotte quickly waved her hand. "No, I’m alright. I had some tea this morning, it helped a lot. Thank you so much for your kindness, Vanessa."

"You’re welcome, dear. Please, don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything," Vanessa said warmly.

"I will. Thank you once again," Charlotte replied, though her smile faltered as her mind drifted back to the necklace. While Lilith and her mother continued their conversation, Charlotte added a few words here and there to hide her distraction.

About thirty minutes later, Gerald’s voice called for Vanessa, cutting their conversation short. They all walked out of the room together, parting ways as Vanessa went to attend to her husband while Lilith and Charlotte headed back to their own chambers.