He answered on the third ring. I introduced myself as Claire’s future mother-in-law and kept my voice warm.
I told him I’d admired Claire’s necklace at dinner and was curious about its background, as I collected vintage jewelry myself.
A small lie. The most controlled one I could manage.
The pause before he spoke lasted just a second too long.
“It was a private purchase,” he said. “Years ago. I don’t really remember the details.”
“Do you remember who you bought it from?”
Another pause. “Why do you ask?”
“Just curious,” I said. “It looked very similar to a piece my family once owned.”
“I’m sure there are similar pieces out there. I have to go.” He ended the call before I could respond.
The next morning, I phoned Will and told him I needed to see Claire. I kept it general. Said I wanted to spend more time with her, maybe look through some family photo albums together.
He believed me without hesitation — Will has always trusted me — and I felt a small, uncomfortable twist of guilt for taking advantage of that trust.
