Chapter 40  

The sun's rays gently invaded the room through the gaps in the curtains, while the pillows rested serenely on the bed and the hats remained organized on the shelves. Everything was exactly as it had been before. James sat on his mother's bed, flooded with a sense of nostalgia.

"I couldn't keep my promise to look after Meg," he muttered, his tone heavy with regret.

He picked up one of his mother's beloved hats and then opened the jewelry box. He planned to present Angelina with some family joy, something he should have done at the beginning of her pregnancy but had neglected to do.

Among the precious pieces was a sapphire necklace that Angelina had long wanted. James decided to surprise his wife with this little treat. However, in a moment of distraction, the box slipped out of his hands and all the jewels spilled onto the carpet.

"Damn," he exclaimed in frustration.

Looking more closely, James discovered the presence of a false bottom in the box and found several yellowed envelop