Love's Ashes, Archer's Regret

olt of pain through her side. She was making her way down the hallwa

appy. "Oh, Archer, it's exquisite! I

responded, full of the same tendernes

clenched. She pus

ing a small, heart-shaped locket. It was antiqu

stopped

r mother'

had survived the fire. It was priceless, not because of its monetary valu

r bedroom. The only other person w

said, her voice a low grow

ack. The sudden push sent her stumbli

body tense and ready for a fight. "What is wro

f up. Pain shot through her side, but she ignor

aid coldly. "I gave it

sca stammered, her mind re

hrug. "It's just a piece of jewel

se. He had seen her take the locket out on the anniversary of her mother's death.

had given it t

e. This man was a stranger,

s expression softened. "I have to take this. I'll be right ba

changed. The sweet, vulnerable girl vanished, r

ancesca's face. "It's so pretty, isn'

ite, Amelia," F

ite he loves. He gives me everything I wa

s from you my whole life, Frankie. Your toys, your friends,

ilence hang in the air. "

spine. "You won't get away with this. H

d the locket up, her thumb stroking the gold. "You know, this is the last piece, isn't it? The last thing of yours

rancesca whispered,

Amelia. I'll get on

ne

pleaded, the word te

wo

o her knees on the cold marble floor. Her pride, her anger,

face a mask of pure, triumphant

ate, slow movement,

ocket

oor with a si

The tiny frame was bent, the glass shattered. The picture of her mother

h her. She ignored the stinging in her pa

. It was a hollow, aching void where her heart

a sharp slap.

ace, hard. A red mark was a

sort of horror washing over

he room, Amelia threw herself int

and Frankie... she got so angry. She said I didn't deserve it, an

marked face to Francesca, kneeling on the floor

ch," he

try to defend hersel

her eyes empty. "It

She knew he wouldn't.

lia and slapped her across the face, a real, stinging

her voice dangerously

raight, leaving the broken locket and t

in the hall, grabbing

e going?" he demanded, hi

eyes, cold and hard, met h

into the phone. "To