Mannie’s POV
As the crowd slowly dispersed, the noise faded until only silence filled the jewelry shop. My heart still raced from everything that happened. The smell of perfume mixed with dust and tension hung thick in the air. I didn’t move.
Michael finally turned to look at me. His face was calm, too calm. He had schooled his features well, but I could tell he was holding back something—anger, confusion, maybe pity. I didn’t want to find out which.
I swallowed hard and looked away. My hands trembled slightly as I clutched the small paper bag that held the golden pendant. The one he had bought for me like I was a child who couldn’t handle her own affairs.
I took a deep breath to steady my pounding heart.
Seeing him again was not part of my plan. Not today. Not like this.
If I had ev
