Chapter 27

"The salesperson recommended the bracelets. They're new limited editions with a special meaning behind them, so I bought two. The one for Arabella is a Christmas gift from me as her brother. Don't overthink it." Heidi thought to herself, "So that makes it okay to buy two identical ones?" Maverick couldn't even be bothered to put in a little effort—not even enough to pick a different style. She asked, "If it's just to make her happy, then give it to her. Why give one to me?" He was quiet for a moment. "I thought you'd like it." His older brother had told him that no woman would ever dislike gifts like these. And if she did, it just meant the man hadn't given enough—or the gifts weren't expensive enough. Heidi's chest ached, a dull, heavy pain. She forced a casual tone. "If it's so meaningful, give this one to her too. Good things come in pairs—she can wear it on her ankles for all I care." He slammed on the brakes. "Heidi, stop with the sarcasm." The sudden stop threw her forwar