I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 76

"Thank you for all your help recently, and for the birthday gift you sent. This is a token of my appreciation."

Xander's gaze drifted down to the box, lingering there for a beat. The packaging was a sophisticated dark green, featuring the understated logo of a luxury watchmaker embossed on the side.

He reached out and picked it up, running a thumb along the edge of the wrapping paper before setting it back down.

"Thank you. Bonnie is upstairs." He offered a polite smile, but the look in his eyes remained guarded and distant.

Nora caught the subtle shift in his demeanor but chose not to comment. She simply nodded and was about to head for the stairs when the rapid tapping of little leather shoes echoed from above.

Bonnie flew down the steps at breakneck speed, launching herself directly into Nora's arms. The impact forced Nora to stumble back a half-step to keep her balance.

Bonnie looked up, her eyes sparkling brightly. Her complexion looked infinitely healthier than the day before.

"Nora! I'm completely all better! I took all my medicine like a good girl."

Nora crouched down to eye level and gently checked the girl's forehead. "You're such a good girl."

"Then let's go!" Bonnie grabbed her hand, practically dragging her toward the door.

"Hold on, I brought you a present first."

Bonnie skidded to a halt, her eyes widening into massive saucers. "What is it?"

Nora pulled out a Lego castle set from her bag. It featured towering pink spires, colorful translucent windows, and a tiny fire-breathing dragon perched at the drawbridge.

Bonnie's mouth formed a perfect 'O' of awe. She snatched the box, hugging it tightly as she examined every single side. Then, she stood on her tiptoes, threw her arms around Nora's neck, and planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

The person on the other end paused. "What watch?"

"A gift," Xander replied, his tone devoid of any inflection.

A chuckle echoed through the receiver, laced with exasperation. "Are you serious? Did that woman give it to you? She buys you a nice watch, and your first instinct is to dismantle it for bugs?"

Xander didn't respond. He kept his eyes fixed on the box, the sunlight catching the high-quality sheen of the wrapping paper.

Bonnie adored her, and he could accept that. His daughter needed companionship, and Nora had stepped into the role flawlessly. That made sense.

But Nora buying him an expensive watch crossed a line into territory he didn't trust.

In his world, there was no such thing as a simple gift. He had sat on his throne far too long and seen far too many hidden agendas to believe in pure intentions.