The man before me was thin and pale.

A mole at the corner of his eye, strikingly red.


Very different from my memory.

I was sizing him up, and he was doing the same to me.

Black eyes, seemingly casual.


"Miss Lindell, it's been a while."

"You're still so... beautiful."


His voice sounded pleasant.

I smiled at him: "Mr. Koster, you live up to your reputation."

The corner of his lips lifted slightly in a gentle smile.

We were both making small talk, fully aware of it.

"The flowers you sent," he glanced toward the window, "have bloomed."

I placed the gift box from my bag on the table: "I received your necklace, Mr. Koster."

I picked up the water glass on the table.

He reached for the box.

I pulled the box back.

His hand froze, and I smiled at him.