THE WEDDING RINGS
1209 Words
The manager returned, accompanied by servers carrying three elegant trays of jewelry. Their steps faltered as they saw the couple locked in a loving embrace, but they pressed forward, presenting the treasures.
“Mr. Yang, here are the items you ordered.”
Kendrick’s eyes gleamed. “Honey, come. Let’s select our wedding rings.”Amelia leaned forward, captivated by the artistry before her. Admiring the craftsmanship, she studied each detail with reverence, hoping to find techniques she could adapt in her own work. While many designers dismissed others’ work, Amelia sought inspiration from every piece, fueling her creativity.
Kendrick lifted a couple’s ring adorned with large diamonds. “What do you think about this?”
Amelia’s brow furrowed. “It’s too extravagant. I fear I might lose my hand if I wear it.”
Kendrick tilted his head. “Do you think it’s too ostentatious?”
Amelia slid the ring onto her finger, showing him. “Look — it’s enormous. It looks like it’s about to swallow my whole hand.”
Kendrick finally noticed the contrast between her petite fingers and his own broad hands. He smiled. “You’re right. It doesn’t suit you.”
He leaned closer, his voice tender. “You know what? Why don’t you make the choice? Select whichever one you fancy.”
Amelia’s heart fluttered. She browsed through the trays of jewels, her fingers brushing lightly over the glittering pieces. A faint smile played on her lips as she examined each item with quiet fascination. Kendrick, seated beside her, watched her intently as if she were the only jewel in the room. A strand of her hair slipped across her cheek, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe.
When Amelia’s eyes fell upon a pair of platinum rings, she pointed delicately. “What do you think about these?”
The Perfect Rings
The man’s ring was bold—a thick band adorned with six glistening diamonds, perfectly suited to Kendrick’s commanding hand. The woman’s ring was slender, refined, with six smaller diamonds that shimmered like stars — simple, elegant, timeless.
“Let’s try it on your finger, Honey,” Kendrick said softly. He lifted the delicate ring and slid it onto Amelia’s finger, his touch lingering. The diamond sparkled delicately, perfectly balanced. The sight of the jewel resting perfectly against her skin made his heart swell.
“Honey, it looks perfect on your finger,” he said, his smile radiant. “It suits you,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection. “Elegant, refined… just like you.”
Amelia smiled softly. “It’s simple.”
“And yet it outshines everything else here,” Kendrick replied, his eyes locked on hers.
He kissed her knuckles, his voice solemn. “This ring isn’t just jewelry. It’s my promise to you.”
Amelia’s eyes shimmered. “Then I’ll wear it proudly.”
Amelia’s fingers trembled ever so slightly as she lifted the remaining ring.
It was heavier than she expected — not in weight, but in meaning. Her cheeks warmed with anticipation and nerves as she carefully took Kendrick’s hand, his long, strong fingers, the faint heat of his skin grounding her racing heart.
She slid the ring onto his finger slowly, deliberately, as though afraid the moment might shatter if she rushed it.
“Do you like it?” Amelia asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. There was a shy hope in her tone that she didn’t bother hiding.
Kendrick lowered his gaze to where the ring now rested on his hand.
For a long moment, he didn’t speak.
Then his expression softened in a way few people had ever witnessed — sharp lines easing, authority melting into something profoundly gentle.
“Honey,” Kendrick said quietly, lifting his eyes to meet hers, “I love it.”
He turned his hand slightly, admiring the way the ring fit him perfectly. “I would love whatever you choose for me.”
Amelia laughed, relief spilling out of her chest. She reached up and pinched his cheek lightly, a gesture far bolder than her words. “What a smooth talker.”
Kendrick didn’t deny it.
Instead, he drew her closer with one arm, lowering his head until his lips brushed hers in a tender, unhurried kiss. It wasn’t deep or demanding — just intimate enough to make Amelia’s heart flutter wildly.
Around them, the shop attendants froze.
One looked away politely.
Another coughed awkwardly.
A third silently prayed the floor would swallow them whole.
None of them had ever witnessed Kendrick Yang kiss anyone — let alone with such undisguised affection.
“Let’s go shopping,” Kendrick said casually once he pulled back, as if he hadn’t just shattered several people’s worldviews. “We still need to get ready for tonight’s auction.”
Kendrick took Amelia’s hand and gently pulled her to her feet.
Shopping Spree
What followed felt like a dream Amelia wasn’t sure she was allowed to have.
Shoes.
Bags.
Accessories.
One by one, exquisitely chosen items were presented, fitted, and approved. Assistants moved efficiently, silently, as though afraid to disrupt the atmosphere. Kendrick watched carefully, occasionally making a suggestion, sometimes waving things away without explanation.
Amelia, however, grew increasingly overwhelmed.
The pile beside her chair grew larger and larger.
“Kendrick…” she began hesitantly, guilt tightening her chest. “This is too much.”
He glanced at her. “Is it?”
“I don’t need all of this,” she insisted softly. “I still have plenty of clothes at home. It feels wrong to take so much.”
Her unease was genuine — not false modesty, not pretense. Accepting so much made her feel as though she were crossing a line she didn’t know how to step back from.
Kendrick studied her carefully.
Then he leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
“Just keep them in your closet,” he said calmly. “You never know when you’ll want them.”
His tone made it clear: this wasn’t extravagance to him.
It was a provision.
“It’s time to find the perfect outfit for tonight,” he declared, already guiding her forward before she could protest again.
The Preparation
Not long after, Amelia sat before a mirror in a softly lit dressing room.
She barely recognized herself.
A vibrant red halter-style silk gown draped elegantly over her figure, the fabric catching the light with every movement. An older woman worked deftly behind her, fingers nimble and practiced as she twisted Amelia’s hair into a graceful bun, loose strands framing her face like a painting come to life.
“What a beautiful woman,” the stylist said warmly, admiration sincere. “With just a little powder and blush, you already look stunning.”
Amelia swallowed, unsure how to respond.
Then—
“Indeed,” a familiar voice said behind her, deep and unmistakable. “She looks beautiful.”
Kendrick stepped into view.
He was in a black tuxedo, the cut immaculate, a red bow tie at his throat matching the shade of Amelia’s gown with deliberate precision.
Amelia’s breath caught.
If she had thought him imposing before, now he was devastating.
Her heart raced, and for a moment she forgot how to speak.
- Writer
