Chapter 20

As soon as Maurice finished speaking, Caroline came out from inside the house. She was beaming, with an antique-looking jewelry box in her arms. Mila looked at the jewelry box, feeling a bitter twist in her heart. Caroline placed the jewelry box on the table in front of Mila. Maurice said, "This was passed down by Matt's mother as a wedding gift for her future daughter-in-law. It's time to give it to you." Caroline was delighted on Mila's behalf. "Don't just stand there! Open it and see!" Mila caressed the sandalwood brocade box, but she felt a lump in her throat. In the past, she would have been ecstatic—because it meant that Maurice approved of her. Now, she did not feel any happiness at all. All she felt was regret. Mila took a deep breath and pushed the brocade box back to Maurice. She mustered up the skills in acting that she had learned during her time in the business world and spoke as calmly as she could. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to disappoint yo