Burgundy Pocketbook Novels & Stories

I huddled it close to my chest, and pulled myself out of my stupor as he approached. “You found it?” I beamed. “I did. Here you go,” he said, and he dropped a small notepad on top of the hefty book already clutched in my arms. Its pages were curled, and the front was a mossy green that had been spoilt over the centuries by water damage and coffee stains. “What’s that one?” He asked, nodding to the other book I was holding. “Oh. I’m not really sure. Do you know what it is? It says ‘Luna Lapis’ on the front. I thought it might have something to do with your pack.”

She hadn't noticed the lone bag that had been placed there. He unzipped the dark brown leather case and drew out a large woven straw bag with pink webbing handles. The unmistakable L'Occitane logo was embroidered on the side. "This is for you. Hopefully, there's everything you'll want. But if not, we can run into town for whatever you need."

“Your skin is about to glow like the angels.” Bag five contained a limited-edition Prada handbag, black leather with gold accents. Bree hugged it to her chest. “If you don’t want this, I will happily adopt it.” The sixth and final bag was stuffed with boxes of Godiva chocolate, imported teas, and Bree’s eyes widened two bottles of Dom Pérignon champagne. “Okay, I take it back,” Bree said, breathless. “This is not a package. This is a dowry.”

Slowly, I nodded and reached for the box, my hands trembling just a little as I began to untie the bow. My fingers fumbled with the bow, pulling at the delicate gold ribbon until it came loose. Carefully, I lifted the lid, and my breath caught in my throat as I saw what was inside. Nestled inside the box was a designer handbag—glossy leather in a deep shade of burgundy with intricate stitching and a golden emblem. It gleamed under the room’s lights, every detail screaming luxury. I stared at it in stunned silence, my heart racing. This wasn’t just a bag. This was worth over a hundred million dollars.

’ She uttered silently. She removed the napkins that were used to cover it, and stared at the items in the basket. There was a small leather-bound notebook, with sweet messages written on every page. On the first page was “A message for each day, helping you journey through the dark ways.” There was also a delicate silver necklace with a pendant shaped like a rose, and a single red rose, its petals still fresh and vibrant. Inside the basket was also a very expensive bottle of red wine. “Wow! This is Domaine de la Romanée!”

The weight of our situation pressed down, heavy and suffocating. It was then, amidst the debris of a collapsed building, that Kelly unearthed it – a small, tarnished silver locket. It lay half-buried in the dust, its surface scratched and worn, yet somehow managing to retain a faint, almost ethereal glow. We gathered around it, the faint glimmer a stark contrast to the surrounding darkness. Inside, nestled amongst the faded velvet lining, was a single, faded photograph.

My clothes, I suppose, though nothing looks familiar. I step inside. One wall holds dresses and gowns, organized by color. Another wall is shoes, dozens of pairs I can't imagine ever wearing. The third wall has drawers, and I open them one by one. Jewelry. Scarves. Handbags are worth more than most people's cars. And in the back corner, behind a stack of sweater boxes, I find a small leather bag, dusty and out of place among all this perfection. My hands shake as I pull it out. Inside is a journal, worn at the edges like it's been handled often. I open to the first page, and the handwriting makes my heart stop.

My phone was on DND. “My bad,” I muttered shoving the phone back into my pocket. “I didn’t see it.” “Khione…..” her voice trailed off, her eyes widening as she truly took in the labels on the garment bags—the distinct, gold-embossed lettering of boutiques that usually only existed for us on the pages of glossy magazines. She reached out, her fingers hovering over a sleeve of Parisian silk. “What’s all this? Who gave you these? And why do you look so….stunning?”

"A book?" Hugh immediately raised his voice. "A book? This is a treasure! A handwritten prayer book by a monk from the Abbey of Saint-Germain in Paris, dating back to the 13th century--complete with gold illumination. Fewer than ten copies still exist. I had someone camp out at a Vatican manuscript auction for half a year before I managed to get it!" Liam lifted a brow, looking at him with faint amusement. "You came all the way to the hospital just to show me this?"

Hilary glanced at the mountain of bags Sigourney was holding, tilting her head and winking teasingly. Sigourney simply shook her head, saying that she and Theodore weren't actually that close-it was all for show in front of others. Then she pulled Hilary into a handbag boutique to browse. At a glance, one particular handbag immediately caught Sigourney's eye. It was a crystal crossbody bag, crafted from shimmering silver-toned crystals. Though simple in design, it exuded elegance-perfectly suited for the minimalist outfits Sigourney often wore. "This is a crystal handbag from our latest collection and is available only in limited quantities..."