Jealousy Alpha's Regret novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Iris’s POV

I stared at the elegant gift box sitting between us on the table,

completely caught off guard. Was this really happening? A gift from

someone I’d just met? My mind raced with possibilities, none of them

making me feel comfortable.

When I looked up, I caught Ethan watching me carefully, his

expression shifting as he noticed my hesitation. His golden–rimmed

glasses caught the soft restaurant lighting as he leaned forward

slightly.

“This is just a personal habit of mine,” he explained, his voice warm

and reassuring. “If I’ve made you uncomfortable, I sincerely

apologize.”

The genuine concern in his tone made some of my tension melt away.

He seemed genuinely concerned about my feelings, which was

refreshing after years with Sebastien.

“I assure you it’s nothing expensive or inappropriate,” Ethan

continued with a self–deprecating smile. “Just something I thought

you might appreciate. I have a tendency to be impulsive sometimes.

It’s just how I am when I meet someone whose work I admire.”

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His directness was disarming. No games, no hidden agenda–just

straightforward communication. I found myself relaxing a bit.

“Thank you,” I said, reaching for the box. “I’m just not used to… this

kind of gesture.”

I carefully unwrapped the paper, revealing a sleek black jewelry box. When I opened it, my breath caught in my throat. Inside was a

delicate silver pendant with an intricate lunar design. The craftsmanship was exquisite, but what really stunned me was how

familiar it looked.

“This pendant… it looks so familiar,” I murmured, carefully lifting it from the box. The weight of it in my palm, the specific curve of the crescent moon design–it triggered something in my memory.

I glanced up to find Ethan watching me intently, a strange tension in his shoulders. “Is something wrong, Iris? Don’t you like it?” His voice

had a slight edge to it, almost anxious

“No, I love it. It’s beautiful,” I said honestly. “It’s just that it looks

really familiar. This pendant is almost identical to one my mother

had when I was little.”

His expression shifted, and for a moment, I swore I saw relief flash

across his features.

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“It’s a Lowell family custom design,” he explained, his tone lighter

now. “We’ve commissioned them for generations. They’re quite

distinctive.”

I nodded, turning the pendant over in my hands. “It can’t be a

coincidence. This pendant is practically identical to my mom’s. It’s

like someone copied and pasted the exact same design.” I traced the

delicate silver work with my fingertip. “I don’t have many memories

from that time, but this pendant really stands out. It was so unique

that once you’ve seen it, you never forget it.”

Ethan leaned forward, his golden eyes intense behind his glasses. “Would you mind telling me about your mother? What kind of person

was she?”

The question caught me off guard. It seemed strangely personal for a business dinner, but something about his earnest expression made

me want to answer.

“In my childhood memories, my mother was very gentle,” I said,

thinking back. “She spoke softly and loved beautiful things- especially jewelry.” A small smile touched my lips. “She used to take

me to the edge of the forest on full moon nights to look at the stars.”

My fingers closed around the pendant. “But then she changed. She

threw away all her jewelry herself, including a pendant just like this

one. She became… harder, more forceful.” I stopped, not wanting to

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share too much family drama with someone I barely knew.

As I spoke, I noticed something odd about Ethan’s reactions. He

seemed almost too invested in my words, hanging on every detail

about my mother. Was this really normal business conversation?

Rachel’s words about him possibly being interested in me came back,

but this didn’t feel like romantic interest. It felt… different.

“I guess that’s about it,” I concluded with a shrug. “It was a long time

ago. I don’t remember much else.”

Dinner proceeded pleasantly after that. Conversation with Ethan flowed naturally, which surprised me. I found myself sharing more than I normally would with a new acquaintance. There was something

about him that felt… familiar? Trustworthy? I couldn’t quite place it.

When the evening ended, Ethan insisted on driving me home. “It’s too

late for you to head back alone,” he said. “I wouldn’t feel right about

it.”

I opened my mouth to refuse, but something in his concerned

expression stopped me. “That’s really not necessary…” I began.

“Please,” he said. “I’d worry otherwise.”

After a moment’s hesitation, I nodded. “Thank you, that’s very kind.”

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The ride to Blue Harbor was comfortable, with easy conversation

about design trends and industry developments. When we reached

the underground parking garage, I prepared to say a polite goodbye.

As I turned toward Ethan to thank him, I noticed him staring at me

intently. My heart suddenly skipped a beat. Was he going to… ? Oh

god. Rachel was right? Was this actually a date? I felt heat rise to my

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