Chapter 6 - The Trap Sprung
Thursday arrived with a gentle drizzle.
Javier was in his study, reviewing documents on his laptop while keeping an eye on the garden, where Mateo and Santiago were happily drawing on the patio with washable chalk under Patricia's watchful eye. For the past week, the house had felt warmer, lighter. Even the servants seemed to walk with lighter steps.
The doorbell rang, and a few moments later, the butler announced Mónica’s arrival.
Javier frowned, stepping out of his study. "Mónica. I didn't expect you."
"I know, Javier," Mónica said, her voice unusually soft, almost apologetic. She was carrying a box of high-end pastries. "I came to apologize. I've been thinking about what you said last week. I was too harsh. I miss Valeria so much, and sometimes I project my grief onto how the boys are raised. I bought these for the twins, and I wanted to apologize to Patricia personally."
Javier stared at her, trying to read her face. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that some part of Valeria’s sister was capable of warmth. "That is... unexpected, Mónica. But appreciated. They are on the patio."
Mónica smiled, walking toward the back of the house. On her way, she paused by the guest restroom where Patricia kept her personal bag and changing clothes during her shift. With practiced, stealthy grace, Mónica slipped her hand into her purse, pulled out the replica emerald necklace, and slid it deep into the side pocket of Patricia’s canvas tote bag.
She then proceeded to the patio, putting on her best "loving aunt" face.
"Hi, boys!" she called out.
The twins stopped drawing, their faces instantly growing guarded. Patricia stood up, wiping her hands. "Good afternoon, Ms. Mónica."
"Good afternoon, Patricia," Mónica said, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "I wanted to apologize for my outburst last week. I brought some pastries. Why don't you take the boys to the kitchen to have some? I need to speak with Javier for a moment."
"Thank you, ma'am," Patricia said, relieved. She ushered the boys inside.
Mónica turned to Javier, who had followed her out. "Javier, before we sit down, I actually wanted to ask you for a favor. I was looking through some old photos of Valeria, and I remembered she had that beautiful emerald necklace your father gave her. I wanted to have a jeweler make a sketch of it so I could create a matching bracelet. Do you mind if I take a quick look at it? I know you keep it in the study safe."
Javier hesitated. "It's been in the safe since she passed, Mónica. I haven't opened that box in two years."
"Please, Javier. Just for a moment," Mónica pleaded, her eyes wide and sincere.
Javier sighed. "Fine. Follow me."
They walked into the study. Javier approached the painting that hid the wall safe. He entered the combination, the heavy metal door clicking open. He reached inside and pulled out the velvet-lined mahogany jewelry box.
May you like
But when he opened it, his heart stopped.
The velvet recess where the emerald necklace was supposed to rest was empty.
