Chapter 19 - The Flower Girl’s Gift
Inside the cottage, Lily was sitting by the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.
Evelyn walked over and sat down beside the little girl, resting a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Lily," Evelyn said softly.
Lily looked up, her dark eyes big and bright. "Yes, Miss Evelyn?"
Evelyn reached into her small velvet handbag and pulled out a small, exquisite velvet box tied with a satin ribbon. She placed it into Lily’s small hands.
"What's this?" Lily asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Open it," Evelyn encouraged with a warm smile.
Lily carefully untied the ribbon and popped the velvet lid open. Inside lay a brand-new silver pendant, shaped like a tiny butterfly, encrusted with small pink crystals that caught the warm light of the fireplace.
"It’s for you," Evelyn said softly. "To remember the day you saved our family. Without your courage six months ago, none of us would be standing in this warm room today."
Lily’s eyes filled with tears of pure joy. "It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!"
"Let me help you put it on," Evelyn said gently.
Evelyn fastened the silver chain around Lily’s neck. The little girl ran over to the full-length mirror near the door, staring at her reflection, admiring the sparkling butterfly against her dress.
Clara and Julian walked back inside from the terrace, seeing Lily smiling at her reflection in the mirror.
Clara knelt down next to the child and touched the butterfly pendant gently. "It looks perfect on you, Lily."
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"Miss Evelyn gave it to me!" Lily beamed. "She said I helped save the family."
"You did, sweetie," Clara said, kissing the child's cheek. "You were our little angel."
