Chapter 4 - The Silver Charm
Isabella stared down at her own submerged foot in absolute disbelief. The cold numbness that had gripped her lower body for four long years felt suddenly pierced by a gentle, tingling warmth flowing up her calves.
She looked at her toes, focusing all her concentration, and flexed them again. The water rippled smoothly around her ankle.
The guarded, fearful look that had defined Isabella’s face for years slowly began to melt away, replaced by a soft, genuine smile that lit up her entire countenance.
Upstairs, Lorenzo slowly lowered his phone, his broad shoulders trembling as unbidden tears welled in his dark eyes. His daughter had moved.
Suddenly, the glass conservatory doors flew open. Sophia, wearing her classic black-and-white maid uniform with her dark hair tied in a neat bun, came running toward the girls, her face pale with worry that Emma had caused trouble.
"Emma! What are you doing?" Sophia gasped, slowing her pace as she approached the maple tree.
Before Sophia reached them, little Emma leaned forward and reached deep beneath the wool blanket draped over Isabella’s lap. When her small hand emerged, she was holding a delicate silver charm hanging from a tarnished chain—a unique filigree star enclosing a small blue sapphire.
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Up at the window, Lorenzo’s heart stopped. He recognized that charm instantly. It was a one-of-a-kind family heirloom that had belonged to his late wife, Julianna—a piece of jewelry that had vanished on the night of her fatal car accident four years ago.
Lorenzo’s face went completely pale.
