Chapter 7: The Ring
566 Words
Isabella stared at the diamond ring resting inside the velvet box.
It was unlike anything she had ever seen.
The center diamond sparkled brilliantly, surrounded by smaller stones that caught the light with every movement.
It was beautiful.
Probably worth more than everything her family owned.
She looked up at Ethan.
"I can't accept this."
"It's only a ring."
"No."
She took a step back.
"It means something."
Ethan closed the box before walking toward her.
"It means whatever we need the world to believe."
His voice remained calm.
"Nothing more."
She looked into his grey eyes.
There wasn't the slightest trace of emotion.
To him...
This wasn't an engagement.
It was business.
A knock interrupted the silence.
Ethan's assistant entered the office carrying a tablet.
"Mr. Kingsley."
"The press has arrived."
Isabella frowned.
"The press?"
Ethan nodded once.
"In exactly twenty minutes, we're announcing our engagement."
Her eyes widened.
"What?"
"You never told me that!"
"I didn't think it mattered."
"It matters to me!"
She couldn't believe how casually he spoke about changing her entire life.
"People will see us."
"Yes."
"They'll ask questions."
"Yes."
"My family doesn't even know!"
Ethan finally looked at her.
"Then tell them."
His answer made her heart sink.
Everything was happening too fast.
She took a deep breath.
"I have one condition."
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"You haven't signed the contract yet."
"I know."
"But if I'm going to do this..."
"I need the hospital paid first."
"I won't lie to my mother."
"I won't pretend unless I know my brother is safe."
For the first time...
A faint smile touched Ethan's lips.
"You negotiate."
"I'm learning from the best."
Without another word, Ethan picked up his phone.
"Transfer three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to St. Mary's Hospital immediately."
His assistant nodded.
"Right away, sir."
Isabella's breath caught.
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"You didn't even ask me to sign first."
"I know you'll keep your word."
His confidence surprised her.
Just then, Isabella's phone rang.
It was her mother.
With trembling hands, she answered.
"Mom?"
"Isabella!"
Her mother's voice was full of excitement.
"The hospital just called."
"They received an anonymous payment."
"They're taking Noah into treatment right now!"
Tears filled Isabella's eyes.
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Whoever did this..."
"God bless them."
The call ended.
She slowly lowered the phone.
Her brother was going to live.
The weight she'd been carrying for days suddenly lifted.
She looked at Ethan.
"You paid before I even agreed."
"I don't like wasting time."
She smiled through her tears.
"Thank you."
For a brief moment...
The cold billionaire looked away.
Almost as if hearing those words made him uncomfortable.
Ethan opened the velvet box once more.
He gently held out the ring.
"This time..."
"Will you wear it?"
Isabella looked at the ring.
Then at Ethan.
Slowly...
She extended her hand.
Ethan carefully slid the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly.
The instant it settled into place...
The office doors burst open.
Camera flashes lit up the room.
Reporters rushed forward, shouting questions.
"Mr. Kingsley!"
"When did you meet Miss Hart?"
"Is the wedding date already set?"
"Is this the woman who stole your heart?"
Isabella froze.
She wasn't ready.
And somewhere in the crowd...
A pair of angry eyes watched them.
Victoria.
She smiled to herself and whispered,
"Enjoy your happiness while it lasts, Isabella... because I'm about to destroy it."
- Writer
