Chapter sixteen

NIKOLAS

"What would mother like?" I pondered as I scanned the pieces of jewelry adorning the necks of perfect mannequins scattered across the store. "...what would Alva want?" It had been strange of Alva not to resist me when I brought the idea of managing her. I suspected she was only being considerate considering I had the power to take Samuel away from her. I picked up a necklace that caught my fancy.  The necklace was a simple silver chain with an Amber stone as big as a grape dangling at the end. It would match Alva's hair perfectly.

"I'll be taking this," I told my guide, dropping it into his delicate hands before setting off to another circuit of the accessory store. Minutes went by as I scavenged for something my perfectionist of a mother would be appreciative of. It was usually easier than this, I had to admit. I glimpsed at a gold-plated watch that reflected my worried demeanor. I picked it up because it s