Bella's POV
Lucius's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Bella, don't be ungrateful."
The ointment hadn't been easy for him to obtain—he'd made a special effort to get it. Sure, he'd handed it to Ivy, but didn't it wind up in my hands regardless?
His expression seemed to say that Ivy possessed grace and proper manners—why couldn't I learn something from her example? What was I being so stubborn about?
"That was a present from Lord Thorne to his betrothed," I replied, a frigid smile touching my mouth. "Since it was intended for Ivy, it would be improper for me—as her sister—to claim something that isn't mine."
My refusal was precise, cutting, and allowed no debate.
Lucius's expression grew stormy. It seemed as though I'd trampled both his dignity and his genuine intentions.
Ivy cast him a hesitant look, then whispered gently, "But... it was a thoughtful act from Lucius. How could you dismiss it so carelessly, Bella?"
