Eternal Bloom    

[EVE]

After the painting, a historic piece of jewelry—a ruby necklace once worn by generations of English royalty—was up for auction.

The necklace held profound historical value, with its central ruby gleaming brightly, catching the attention of the crowd.

Women bid eagerly, each driven by the allure of owning a piece of history. Finally, the gavel fell at ten million, and the winning bid went to Sophia.

"This is for you, Sophie," Sophia said, turning to her daughter with a warm smile.

"Oh, Mother, thank you!" Sophie's face lit up as she embraced her mother, and the crowd applauded, moved by the scene.

Their affection was picture worthy—a perfect, enviable bond. I couldn't help but watch, feeling a pang of something I wouldn't dare call jealousy.