Imperfect Pearls Novels & Stories

The moment I touch it, however, I notice how strange it is. I notice that the pearl seems heavy, but as I examine it more closely, I can’t help but notice that it lacks the telltale luster of a real gemstone. My keen eye for detail spots imperfections and irregularities on its surface, giving away its counterfeit nature. The smoothness and uniformity that genuine pearls possess are noticeably absent. I smile as I look up at her and ask, “Where did you get your bag?” She initially appears surprised by my question but quickly becomes anxious, realizing that her deception may be on the verge of exposure. Sensing her unease, I maintain my calm demeanor, subtly revealing my suspicions.

Plip—plip—plip. My heart stopped. I looked down. Pearls everywhere. Rolling like little mocking tears around the sink, hitting the metal with soft, horrible sounds that stabbed right through my soul. “No…” I whispered. I lifted the fabric higher. More pearls fell. One by one. Two by two. Entire rows came loose as if the fabric had been waiting for the perfect moment to betray me. “No, no, no—no—no—” I tried to hold them together, cupping the pearls in my hands, but they slipped through my fingers and scattered across the floor, bouncing away like they were laughing at me.

The maids draped her curls up with pearl pins. She barely recognized her reflection in the mirror. "This isn't what I'm used to," she said, brushing the pearls with her fingertips. "Pearls are prized in Ipsit," Olivia said. "These are part of the king's crown jewels." Violet's skin crawled at that news. She hated being so close to him. "I'm sure King Curzon has acquired many new treasures from the kingdoms he's decimated." Hestia shook her head, finishing hanging the other dresses. "No, pearls are sacred. The only gem born of a living creature's pain. Ipsit's royal family has collected them for generations."

She did not need to finish her sentence; Dimas already understood what she meant. “It was directed at you,” He replied, sounding certain. Harmonia looked up at him. “Mr. Martinez, do you believe me? What if I took that pearl earring?” “This set doesn't appeal to you,” Dimas affirmed. “Mr. Marsh has better ones in his storage.” This pair of pearl earrings was an antique, so it was undoubtedly very precious. However, her family had too many to the point of excess, so it was not anything special to her at all.

The black pearls were so rich and when the diamonds shone, it gave the pearls a surreal depth. My mouth dropped open. It was inventive. Unique. Stunning and spectacular. There was nothing else like it in the world. She cleverly called it a ‘back-less’, since it adorned the back as opposed to the neck. “I…I have no words,” Hazel said beside me. I agreed. And this was only the first design? I knew I was up against the best of the best, but I don’t think I fully understood what that meant until now.

Not only did I have to put up with my father today, but I also have to be reminded of my nemesis two nights ago? The ‘unfortunate incident’ that threw up all over me and hurried out the next day without as much as an apology. Her eyes widened as they met mine and the voices all around me faded. Her eyes…they were unusual. A kind of deep emerald green. Recognition flashed in them and her lips parted slightly. I squinted my eyes a bit, trying to draw the connection between the drunk lady two nights ago and the composed one who sat before me. She looked away first, dropping her gaze to her palms that rested on her thighs.

The small fire easily warmed the abandoned old cabin where she made her home. The smooth curve of one of the boxes filled her hands. Pearl's reflection peered at her on the iron-like surface. The two others glistened near the fire. In the light, she could really make out their details. One was a pure pearl white color. It shimmered like fresh snow, while the one nestled next to it was as dark as the night. The third one, the one that she held in her hands, was a consuming deep grey tone. They were shining and beautiful.

I gave her a robe and led her to her bed, telling her to rest for a moment while I cleaned up the living room. Leaving the room, I brought my hand to my mouth, suppressing a scream at the sight of the mess that devil's daughter had made. My eyes widened as the cushions of the armchair were torn apart, and despite being caught, she continued attacking that pillow, or rather, that rag, since all the feathers were scattered everywhere... What am I going to do? I'm dead, those pillows are imported from Paris. God, we're talking about Paris, I don't even have a penny to my name, where am I going to get those expensive feather pillows from?

I I question with concern, “What’s wrong.” I pull back to find her staring at me with a look of abject horror, but I’m having a hard time focusing. It almost feels like I’m sitting on rocks. I look down in confusion, my tired brain struggling to process what I’m seeing. Pale, gleaming orbs scattered over my sheets, each a different size and shade, but unmistakable once I recognize the telltale luster. Pearls.

"Willow ended up choosing these yesterday at midnight. She spent a long time on these. I believe that you'll like them." Sara couldn't bear to turn Theodore down. She nodded stiffly and opened the box. There was a pair of pearl earrings inside. The pearls were round and full with a shiny luster of gray. They were exquisite deep sea pearls, expensive and obviously carefully handpicked. Hailey gushed, "These pearls look gorgeous! They fit Grandma perfectly. Ms. Jett, you have good taste." However, Sara only looked at them once before slamming the box shut. She left the box on the side and said dryly, "Thanks."