"I have something for you," Paule said quietly, his hands still trembling as he reached into the inside pocket of his coat and pulled out a jewelry box. "It's just a small gift, but we chose it with love. I hope you'll like it."
For a moment, his fingers brushed the smooth surface. Then he extended it to Anne. "Here. Take a look."
Anne accepted the box, curious as to what Paule had brought for her. She opened with anticipation brimming in her eyes. Inside, nestled in velvet, was a simple gold bracelet.
Unlike the grand, dazzling gifts she had received earlier, this one was modest, yet it stirred deep emotions in her. She couldn't begin to imagine how Paule had managed to set aside his hard-earned money just to buy it for her.
Tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them. "I love it," she whispered, smiling through the tears. She lifted the bracelet from the box. "Will you help me put it on?"
Paule nodded and fastened it around her wrist.
