Three Years in the Shadows
Chapter 3
“Bravo!”
The cheering crowd snapped me back to reality.
Gavin took the first slice and offered it, not for the child to smash, but to Tanya’s lips.
“Tanya, you’ve been through so much. This is for you.”
With flushed cheeks, Tanya took a bite in front of everyone.
“Thank you, Gavin.”
“Mr. Nolan and Ms. Cox make a lovely couple. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were together.”
The crowd showered them with congratulations.
I felt sick to my stomach.
Way back then, Tanya, an overlooked child, would watch Gavin in the shadows whenever he visited the Coxes.
He was the perfect golden boy—untouchable, unattainable.
Since the fall of the Coxes, Gavin didn’t so much as send a text during his time away.
I was there for Tanya every step of the way. Yet, with newfound confidence and success, she only had eyes for Gavin.
What did that leave me with? What was I doing there, watching them play house?
The door to the venue opened.
A hotel manager entered the room, handling a plush velvet box with utmost care.
“Sorry to bother you, Ms. Cox.
“This was delivered to the front desk. It is a gift for the young lady’s sip-and-see.”
Wiping the buttercream off Gavin’s fingers, Tanya looked up nonchalantly.
“Who is the gift from?”
“The person didn’t leave a name. Only that it’s from a senior family member.” The manager handed the box over with respect.
Tanya took the box in confusion and removed the lid.
A brilliant shimmer blinded the crowd.
A golden locket lay quietly in the box.
The locket captured the intricate design of an angel.
The jewelry piece was adorned with rubies, sparkling under the light. The value was unmistakable.
Gasps filled the room.
“My goodness, look at the craftsmanship. We’re talking about a world-class artisan’s work. It must cost a fortune.”
Tanya was taken aback.
Despite her recent wealth, Tanya hadn’t seen anything of such significance and price tag.
She turned to Gavin and asked blankly, “Is this from you, Gavin?”
Caught off guard, Gavin took a moment to pull himself together.
Still, that didn’t stop Tanya from filling in the blanks. Emotions overwhelmed her.
“You sent the gift anonymously, so I wouldn’t feel bad, right?
“For something so precious, you are too kind, Gavin. You’re more of a father to Sarah than anyone is.”
The crowd stirred with cheers.
“Mr. Nolan sure is generous. Ms. Cox, he deserves a special mention for the thoughtful gift.”
Despite feeling uneasy, Gavin cleared his throat amid the envious looks.
He wrapped his arm around Tanya’s waist and smiled tenderly.
“Nothing is too much for you and the little one.”
There wasn’t a word of denial.
Tanya was nearly moved to tears.
Standing outside the crowd, I stared long and hard at the locket.
The locket was my mother’s handiwork.
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