#Chapter 42 Family Outings & Quiet Whispers

DORIS

Another package arrived for me. It was a really beautiful gold necklace that matched the bracelet Arthur gave me a few weeks ago. There was a note from Arthur. He apologized for being absent since the Italy trip and promised that he won’t do it again.

I held the note in my hand for a while. Again, I wondered if this was a pattern. Was Arthur retreating for a few days after a period of intimacy?

It hurt less this time, and I thought I understood it more. Arthur's promise that he wouldn’t do it again made me feel better.

I continued to scour all of the New York City government websites, especially all of the ones regarding building news and building permit departments.

I found one that announced a small charity ball that was celebrating some private donations. With Arthur’s help, I managed to get myself invited.

I wore the Dior limited edition dress. I was very glad that I had it back in my possession.

Arthur said he would make it to the ball if he could but told me the possibilit