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CHAPTER 344
~Valerie's POV~
The kiss didn't last long—only a few seconds, but enough to leave me dizzy. My lips tingled, my heart hammering like it wanted to break free of my chest.
Ash pulled back slowly, his breath brushing against my skin, and for a moment, neither of us moved.
Then he lowered the necklace to my eye level, the chain glinting faintly in the fading light, and gently placed it in my hand.
I stared at it for a moment. "How did you get this?"
"I told you," he said evenly. "It was stolen."
My brows knitted. "By who?"
His eyes darkened, and a dangerous glint sparkled in them. "Marianna."
The name didn't sound new. It only confirmed my suspicion, and I blinked hard. "I was going to take it back, actually," I admitted. "But… a few things have been bugging me, and I didn't get the chance."