Chapter Fifty
1747 Words
♠ Kim Stans ♠
Wednesday had come and gone, but the chapter was still under review.
If it wasn't for Katie's help, I wouldn't have been able to complete it (thank God for blessing me with such a great friend).
She'd encouraged me, told me things that were wrong with the chapter, added more ideas to the book and even made some suggestions for future chapters.
Seriously, I had a lovely friend.
And well, it was obvious I'd do something similar if it were the other way round.
Because here I was, on a Saturday morning in one of the biggest Exclusive Jewelry District, with her boyfriend, about to buy the perfect ring for her.
“Thanks for coming,” Kelvin offered me a genuine smile, being a gentleman by opening the jewelry shop door.
When we entered, the air felt cool and fresh, carrying a soft, expensive scent— like a mix of polished floors, clean glass, and a hint of perfume that smelled like flowers and vanilla.
There was a faint metallic tang, probably from the gold and silver, and the smooth, leathery scent of the display cases added to the richness of the place.
Soft music played in the background, blending with the quiet murmurs of shoppers and the gentle clink of jewelry being placed on velvet trays.
The lighting was warm, making the diamonds and gemstones sparkle like tiny stars behind the glass.
Everything about the place spoke elegance, like stepping into a world where time moved slower and luxury was just a way of life.
“This is beautiful,” he said, sounding nervous as we both headed to the counter.
“You know, I spoke with Katie the day you came with her to Austin's place,” my tone was low, which obviously felt best to do.
“Oh,” it was obvious he was aware I would say something important.
“And she was really sad, saying stuff like you're falling out of love and things like that,”
“What?” He asked in a whisper. “Why would she think such silly thoughts?”
“She said you've been acting off recently, not giving her enough time and no longer ending the day with a goodbye kiss.”
He groaned, raking a hand through his hair, “I've just been kind of nervous, gosh I didn't expect her to feel bad.”
“Oh she felt more than bad,” I continued, my gaze sweeping past each jewelry we passed by, “she even started crying, blaming herself for the reason you've fallen out of love.”
“She cried?” He sounded like I just stabbed him, then shook his head. “I didn't mean to make her cry.”
“I know, you're just nervous, that's all.”
“Do you think she might fall out of love thinking I've stopped loving her?” His tone held an edge of alarm in them.
We stopped by the counter where a sales associate sat behind a glass display.
“Why are you two so weird?” I shook my head, expressing how I didn't understand them one bit.
“Good morning sir and ma'am,” the female associate greeted, a welcoming smile planted on her lips.
“Morning,” I greeted, returning her smile, “we'll like to see your best rings that'd match the size of this one.”
I retrieved the ring from my purse, handing it to her.
On Tuesday, she'd slept over so I quickly took the ring I'd bought that sized me perfectly, then tried it on her ring finger, thankful for the first time that she was actually a deep sleeper.
The ring had fit perfectly, so I gladly kept it.
I inserted it into a small hole by the glass, which she took, seeming to check the size on some kind of machine.
“I'll be back,” she announced, before leaving.
“Why do you say we're weird?” He asked like that had been on his mind since I'd said it.
“Why not? I mean, you two are acting in the same manner thinking the other might have fallen out of love.”
“I know she hasn't stopped loving me,” he defended quickly, “I'm just a little nervous like any other man would be if he planned on proposing soon.
“I didn't realize I was hurting her with my nervousness, and you should be very much aware that she's human just like everyone else.
“There is no doubting the trust I have for her, but what if I don't act enough for her and she decides when I propose that it isn't the right time and rejects me while on one knee.”
He visibly shivered like that was the worst thought he could ever have.
“Sorry for the wait,” the female appeared back with three boxes of one of the most beautiful rings I'd ever seen.
Our attention was directed to them and which one would be perfect for Katie.
One was a six karat gold ring, sparkling like the sun and drawing our attention.
Another was a beautiful egg-shaped diamond ring, seeming to take in every light.
The last was a ring with three tiny diamonds and two teeny golds on it, outshining the rest.
“What do you think?” He asked, sounding like he was having similar thoughts as mine.
Although these rings were beautiful, they didn't speak Katie.
“For the three years I've known her, I don't think she'll be a fan of any of these,” I voiced out.
“Yeah, she's not into all this material stuff, she prefers something that speaks to her,” he added, turning to the female, “do you have anything better?”
“Hmm, these are our best looking ones, but I can bring more so you can check them out.”
He nodded, but before she turned, I stopped her, “wait.”
That made both gazes turn to me.
“Why don't we custom make a ring?” That was a smart idea.
“Hmm,” he sounded interested.
“How about something like a beautiful diamond—”
“—a heart shaped diamond with a tiny ‘K&K’ imprinted at the center of the diamond,” he completed with a grin.
“Yeah, Katie and Kelvin, that's brilliant.” And certainly romantic.
He turned to the female, “can you do that?”
She nodded, her smile widening a little, “I'll send your description to our gemologist team sir and they'll get it ready. When will you like to get it?”
“It should be ready on the twenty seventh,” he replied, “that should mean after Christmas, we'll be done with all the preparations.”
I nodded, feeling all bubbly inside at the thought of the reality of this all.
Katie would soon be proposed to.
Wow.
We chatted with the female for more details, then he paid half the amount worthing millions of dollars, but being the managing director of the bank he worked in for five years already, the money was no stress (especially considering the fact his family were millionaires).
Once in the car, he started it, moving us to the road.
“Now, back to what we were saying,” I started once we were on the road, “the being rejected stuff is obviously not a possibility. She loves you way too much and won't want anything better than to be your bride, so that's something you shouldn't worry about.”
“I know, but I can't help those thoughts, you know?”
“This is why I'd rather prefer to not believe in love,” I stated plainly.
Why stress with all these things when the end result wasn't a certain (not that I'd expect them to not have a happy ending. They must).
His gaze swivelled to me for just a second, before returning to the road.
That made me scrunch my forehead, “what's with that look?”
He shrugged, not even bothering to hide the certainty in his tone when he spoke, “you sure don't act that way when it comes to Austin.”
My breath hitched against my will at the sound of the one name I'd tried getting out of my head.
Ever since he messaged me on Tuesday, I couldn't help but dream about him all the time.
He occupied my thoughts and dreams every day.
And now the shopping had given me something else to think about, but he just had to bring up that name.
Either way, I tried composing myself, rehearing his words, “what on earth are you talking about? Austin and I are just—”
“You can tell yourself whatever you want,” he cut me off calmly, “but internally, you are aware that Austin is more than just a man you're acquainted with, or even more than a friend.”
I huffed, staring out to avoid him seeing an emotion that would prove him right, “that's just what Katie's convinced you.”
“Nah, apart from the fact she talks about how she would love you two to be a thing, I also know what I see.”
When I didn't say anything, he continued, “it's obvious you're always thinking about him, dreaming about him and all.”
My heart rate increased because he was very right. Like he'd read through me.
“You don't need to tell me before I know,” his tone dropped when he said, “because that was exactly how I felt with Katie at first, and look where we are.”
“Love is bullshit,” the color rose to my ears, and I hoped he'd blame the weather.
“I'm not saying you two should fall in love,” my house came to view so he stopped the car in front of it.
“I'm just saying you should spare yourself the stress of wishing to be close to him and just go for it. Date him and see how things go.”
His words had startled me to turn to him with widened eyes.
Why?
Because those were similar words Oliver had said.
If the two could've said it sounding so certain and smart, could it actually mean…
There might be no harm in dating him?
- Writer
