Chapter 1
It's 6:30 on a Saturday morning. I woke up, turning on my bed, and then I remembered that I had to get an engagement ring for Valentine's Day. I'm getting a proposal ring for Ryan Thompson, the manager of Moreno Oil and Gas.
I know you'll think I'm crazy to be the one proposing instead of vice versa. Well, I grew up with my mom always taking the lead. My dad is a wealthy businessman, so my mom was always the one trying to please him. I think I have a little of that in me. I've always wished to be given the princess treatment, but I have no choice.
My dad wants me to get married to Ryan Thompson, and I have to do it. Although I've had a crush on Ryan since I was small, growing up and seeing his character made me have second thoughts. But since my dad wants it, I'll do it.
I got up, took my bath, wore a very nice short outfit, put on my heels - my boot heels - and called my driver to get the car ready. I'm determined to make this proposal happen, no matter what.
I walked down the stairs, out of the house, and into my car. The 50-minute drive to the ring store flew by as I listened to music and went over my proposal plan in my head.
As I arrived at the store, I was impressed by its elegant exterior. The sign above the door read "Jewels & Timepieces." I pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The store was even more beautiful inside, with glass cases showcasing exquisite jewelry and timepieces. They had everything from diamond engagement rings to luxury watches and necklaces.
A friendly-looking staff member approached me, wearing a name tag that read "Nick."
"Hi, welcome to Jewels & Timepieces! How can I help you today?" he asked, smiling.
"Hi, Nick," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I'm looking for an engagement ring. Can you tell me how much this one costs?" I pointed to a beautiful diamond ring.
Nick's eyes widened slightly. "How do you know my name?" he asked.
I smiled. "Your name tag," I replied, nodding towards his shirt.
Nick chuckled. "Oh, s**t! I always forget. I'm new here, anyway."
Just as I was about to ask Nick another question, a good-looking stranger interrupted us.
"I think that's a great choice," he said, nodding towards the ring. "Any man would appreciate it."
I turned to him, surprised. "Thank you, stranger."
The stranger smiled. "You're welcome. I'm actually here to get a wristwatch for my dad."
Nick, seeming to remember his role, jumped in. "Ah, great! Let me show you some of our luxury watches."
As Nick led the stranger away, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. But I pushed the thought aside, focusing on my mission to find the perfect engagement ring for Ryan.
I turned my attention back to the ring, examining it more closely. Nick returned, smiling apologetically.
"Sorry about the interruption. Where were we?" he asked.
"I was asking if this ring is suitable for a man," I replied.
Nick nodded. "Absolutely. The design is classic and elegant. I think it would look great on...your fiancé?"
I smiled, feeling a little awkward. "Yes, my fiancé."
Just then, the stranger returned, holding a sleek watch.
"Found the perfect one," he said, smiling at me.
I smiled back, feeling a spark of connection. "Congratulations."
Nick rang up the watch, and the stranger paid. As he was leaving, he turned to me.
"Good luck with the proposal," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
I felt a flutter in my chest. "Thank you."
As the stranger walked out of the store, I couldn't help but wonder who he was and why I felt such a strong connection to him.
Nick's voice brought me back to reality. "Shall I wrap up the ring for you?"
I hesitated, feeling a sudden uncertainty. Was I really ready to propose to Ryan?
But I pushed aside my doubts and nodded. "Yes, please. I'll take it."
Nick efficiently wrapped the ring in a elegant box and handed it to me. "Congratulations on your upcoming proposal," he said with a smile.
I took the box, feeling a mix of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, and a hint of uncertainty.
As I left the store, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had just made a huge mistake. But I pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand.
As I sat in the backseat of my car, I stared out the window, lost in thought. My driver, James, expertly navigated the roads, oblivious to my inner turmoil.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had just made a huge mistake. Buying an engagement ring for Ryan felt like a desperate attempt to hold onto something that might not be meant to be.
The stranger's words echoed in my mind. "Good luck with the proposal."
I wondered if he had sensed my doubts. And what did he mean by "good luck"? Did he think I needed it?
As we approached my house, I felt a sense of trepidation. What had I gotten myself into?
We soon got to my house, I hurried into my house, heading upstairs to my room.I couldn't help but think about the proposal plan. After I propose to Ryan, we'll spend the Valentine's holiday in Maldives, just like I've always dreamed. The thought sent a flutter through my chest, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of tension. Tomorrow was Valentine's Day, and I was getting increasingly anxious.
I pushed aside my thoughts and remembered that I had to visit my parents' house today. I kept the ring safely in my jewelry box and got out of the car again. James drove me to my parents' house, which was just a 15-minute drive away.
As I entered the house, I was greeted by the warm smiles of my parents. We exchanged hugs, "Hey, sweetie, how are you?" my mom asked, as I walked into the living room.
"I'm good, Mom. Just a little stressed," I replied, trying to sound casual.
"What's wrong?" my dad asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Nothing, Dad. Just work stuff," I said, not wanting to get into the details.
"When are you and Ryan getting married?" my dad asked, his eyes piercing.
"We're working on it," I replied, trying to sound confident.
My mom cornered me in the living room, her eyes filled with concern."Aren't you planning on doing anything about Ryan's reluctance to commit?" my mom asked, her voice laced with concern.
"I'm working on it, Mom," I said, feeling a bit defensive.
"I don't want to see my daughter stuck in a meaningless relationship," my dad said, his voice firm.
"Can you two cut me some slack? I'm just 24!" I exclaimed, feeling frustrated.
"I think I need some fresh air," I said, excusing myself from the conversation. "I'm going to go to my room for a bit."
"Okay, sweetie," my mom replied, concern etched on her face. "But we're not done talking about this."
I nodded and made my way upstairs to my old room. As I entered the familiar space, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The room was still decorated with the same posters and photos from my teenage years.
I flopped down onto the bed, feeling overwhelmed by the conversation with my parents. Why did they have to be so pushy? Couldn't they just let me handle my own life?
I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. But my mind kept wandering back to Ryan and the proposal plan. What if he said no? What if he didn't feel the same way?
I decided to video call Ryan, wanting to hear his voice and calm my nerves. I dialed his number and waited for him to answer. It took a while, and I was starting to get anxious.
"Hey, baby," Ryan said, finally answering my video call.
"Hey," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"
"I was talking to my assistant," Ryan said, shrugging.
"Can you rotate the camera around your office?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Ryan obliged, rotating the camera to show me his office. That's when I saw her - his assistant, sitting in a chair, wearing a ridiculously short skirt that barely covered her thighs. Her breasts were almost falling out of her top.
"Ryan, can you ask her to leave your office?" I asked, trying to keep my cool.
"Okay, sorry about that," Ryan said, looking embarrassed. "Can you give us a minute, please?" he asked his assistant.
The assistant got up, smiling sweetly at Ryan, and sashayed out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
"Ryan, what the hell?" I exclaimed, my anger boiling over. "So that's how your assistant dresses inside that office? Because I don't come to your office, right? What nonsense."
"Baby, don't read too much into it," Ryan said, chuckling. "I don't even see her like that. She's not my type."
"Not your type?" I repeated, incredulous. "Are you kidding me? She's practically throwing herself at you!"
"Ryan, I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I don't like it," I said, my voice firm.
"Baby, calm down," Ryan said, holding up his hands. "I swear, nothing is going on between me and my assistant. She's just... enthusiastic, that's all."
"Enthusiastic?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Is that what they're calling it these days?"
Ryan sighed. "Look, can we please just drop it? I promise you, there's nothing going on."
I stared at him, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was his usual charming smile.
"Fine," I said finally. "But I'm watching you, Ryan. And if I find out anything..."
Ryan chuckled. "I'm shaking in my boots, baby."
I rolled my eyes. "You should be."