She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 21

By the end of the day, Shera's face felt paralyzed from smiling so much.

As the sky darkened and she finally saw off the last group of guests, she let out a quiet sigh of relief. Perhaps from the breeze down by the pond, her nose was beginning to feel congested.

"Ma’am, Dewitt is asking for you."

Shera looked puzzled. She glanced at Caden beside her, who seemed equally clueless, so she turned back to Finch.

"Do you know what it's about?"

The butler shook his head. "You'll know when you go in."

Inside the living room, Dewitt sat in his wheelchair with a light blanket draped over his legs. Seeing Shera enter, he waved her closer. "I noticed your wrists were bare during the toasts today. This is for you."

He pulled a velvet box from his pocket.

Shera leaned forward to take it, and Dewitt gave a brief nod, signaling her to open it.

Inside rested a flawless emerald heirloom bracelet.

Dewitt said, "This is passed down to the women who join the Hayes family. It should have been yours a long time ago."

Shera stared at the bracelet, zoning out for a brief moment.

She recognized it. She had seen one just like it on Effie's wrist before. Each daughter-in-law of the Hayes family received one, but since Caden's mother had passed away early, this particular piece had remained in Dewitt's possession.

An indescribable wave of emotion churned in her chest.

Once, she would have dreamed of receiving this. It wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was the ultimate seal of approval from the Hayes family. She had tried so hard to earn their validation, to truly become part of this family. She had waited for Dewitt to offer it, waited for Caden to mention it, waited for the day she would finally be accepted.

But after three whole years of waiting, nothing ever came.

Eventually, she stopped hoping. And later, she stopped wanting Caden altogether.

Now, sitting in the palm of her hand, the bracelet felt cool and exquisite—even more beautiful than the one she remembered on Effie.

Shera looked at it for a couple of seconds before snapping the velvet box shut.

It was too late. She didn't need it anymore.

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