Chapter 6

Sarah Quinn spent five days in the hospital before finally being discharged. It was during this time that she found a moment to inform Jack Cheney about the farewell party at the plant. She stood by the upstairs window, watching Jack carefully help her sister, Lily Quinn, out of the car. He held her gently, his arm steadying her as they made their way up the stairs. To say there wasn’t a flicker of emotion in Sarah would be a lie. She should’ve seen the signs long ago. Back in their hometown, Jack used to visit the Quinn household frequently. Everyone thought he was a good, honest man. Not particularly successful, but the kind of guy who would always put family first. Her parents adored Lily. When an opportunity like Jack came around, their first thought was always for Lily. But Lily wasn’t interested. She insisted on marrying for love, dreaming of a wealthy husband instead of settling for a man with nothing to his name. The following year, she brought home a man she claimed she was ready to marry. The family objected, of course, but Lily threw tantrums, cried endlessly, and even threatened to elope. Left with no choice, her parents relented and approved the engagement. That same year, Sarah married Jack. He had emptied his savings to present a dowry and walked into the Quinn household, asking to marry Sarah instead. Sarah still remembered that day clearly. Jack had pulled her aside under the grapevine in their yard and handed her a jade pendant he had been wearing close to his chest. “Sarah,” he had said, his voice earnest, “I know I don’t have much to offer right now, and my situation isn’t great. But would you wait for me? Just two years. I promise I’ll come back, successful and proud, and make you the most respected officer’s wife.” The sunlight streaming through the trellis had warmed her face, and she had blushed as she nodded. She had even taken off the heart-shaped locket she’d worn since childhood to give to him in return. Sarah hadn’t expected a life of grandeur, but Jack had kept his promise. In just two years, he had risen through the ranks, gaining wealth and influence. He had taken Sarah along when his job required a transfer, and their life together became one of comfort and indulgence. Jack had spoiled her, giving her everything she asked for. If she wanted the stars, he wouldn’t have offered her the moon. And yet, somehow, Sarah had missed it—the way Jack’s gaze lingered on her, as if he were looking at someone else entirely. She let out a nearly inaudible sigh. After Jack helped Lily settle into her room, Sarah opened the door to her own. “There’s a farewell party at the plant the evening after tomorrow,” she said. “You should come with me.” “A farewell party? Who’s it for?” Jack asked. Sarah opened her mouth to answer, but the words were cut off by a soft, weak voice from the other room. “I’m still recovering and don’t have the strength,” Lily called out. “Jack, can you help me change the sheets on my bed?” “Coming, coming!” Jack replied immediately, already moving toward Lily’s room. Before leaving, he tossed a hasty response to Sarah. “The evening after tomorrow, right? Okay, I’ll meet you at the plant. I need to go help Lily now.” With that, he left, leaving Sarah standing alone. She lowered her eyes and slowly removed the jade pendant she had worn for years. She placed it alongside the forty-two letters she had hidden away for so long. This token, this love—it was time to return them to the person they had always belonged to.