Part 2The Gift That Was Passed On

I had packed six different gifts into that one box.

Mike, who seemed to be in a hurry, tore open the package and immediately tossed aside the top layer of international chocolates I had spent ages collecting.

Even the box of Meltykiss I’d mentioned during our flirty chat a few days ago tumbled out, landing next to the trash can.

If he’d only opened it, he would have found an Apple Watch inside.

I’d even carefully swapped the band for one in his favorite shade of blue.

My heart twisted.

Suddenly, a calm, cool voice cut through the video, like a detached narrator.

“This girl is a real romantic. Chocolates from different countries. I’m guessing she picked one for each month since you two met.”

If I didn't know any better, I would’ve thought Julian was a plant I’d hired.

A tiny warmth bloomed in my chest.

But in the next second, Mike’s voice, light and dismissive, snuffed it out.

“Who hasn’t had chocolate before? All flash, no substance. Just trying to impress herself.”

I froze, unable to believe what I was hearing.