Celeste glanced down, a little surprised.
Only then did she realize that ever since she’d gotten her marriage certificate, she’d taken to wearing a simple ring on her left ring finger. It was a convenient way to ward off unwanted attention at business dinners–and, as a bonus, it made her look more put together.
But in the rush of this business trip, she’d forgotten to put it on.
No wonder that executive earlier hadn’t recognized her connection with Alfred.
“Now,” Alfred said, already standing and settling the bill.
His decisiveness never failed to amaze her.
Celeste got up and followed him to the largest jewelry store nearby.
Inside, the display cases sparkled with every kind of gemstone imaginable, leaving Celeste momentarily dazzled. She thought she might just pick out something simple and be done with it.
But Alfred turned to the salesperson and said, “Show us your finest diamond rings.”
11
11
This wasn’t supposed to be an official wedding band. Did it really need to be that
extravagant?
Before Celeste could protest, the clerk had returned, reverently presenting a rare blood diamond ring–the price tag alone was enough to make her eyes widen.
Alfred spoke again, “Do you have anything better?”
“Better?” The salesperson was briefly taken aback but recovered quickly. “Next month, there’s an exclusive auction. They’ll have a natural blue
diamond–extraordinarily rare. If you like, you could bid on it, and we can have it set as a custom ring or necklace.”
Blue. Celeste thought of her Mediterranean–inspired apartment, all sky–blue accents and airy spaces.
Alfred turned to see her listening intently. “What do you think of this ring?”
“It’s… nice…” Celeste,began, but didn’t finish.
Alfred had already slipped the ring onto her finger.
21:58
“Just wear this for now. Next month, I’ll have the blue diamond made into something Just for you.”
Who spends a fortune on a placeholder ring?
The Hopkins family’s wealth was truly staggering.
Still… she couldn’t deny she liked the ring.
“Thank you, Mr. Alfred.”
“As long as you like it.”
He handed his card to the clerk, then gently took her hand, turning it to admire the way the ruby–red diamond made her skin look even fairer. He traced the edge of the ring with his thumb, making sure it fit perfectly before letting her go.
Celeste could still feel the warmth where he’d touched her. Her heart beat a little
faster.
It was just a ring. Why was her heart racing?
Mack had already called ahead to a Hopkins Group hotel, so everything was ready when they arrived.
They checked in and settled down for the night, planning to visit the Hopkins Group branch office the next day to finalize the new shopping mall project.
Maybe it was the good mood, but Celeste slept soundly, dreaming sweetly all night. The next morning, a driver took them to the branch office.
The décor was similar to headquarters–elegant and imposing.
As soon as Alfred arrived, a director and several managers gathered around, eager to hold an impromptu strategy meeting.
Since it was a business meeting, Celeste knew to give them space.
“I’ll wait for you in the lounge,” she said.
“Alright,” Alfred replied.
The director and managers shot Celeste a few curious glances. At first, they’d assumed she was Alfred’s assistant, but the way he spoke to her sounded more like a girlfriend.
No one at the branch knew much about Alfred’s personal life, but since hed bre her himself, the receptionist led Celeste to the largest lounge.
“No need to have anyone look after me. I’ll just relax and check my phone for a while,” Celeste said with a smile.
“Of course. If you need anything, just let me know,” the assistant replied, bowing politely before leaving.
The room fell quiet. Celeste, bored, pulled out her phone and started scrolling through the latest news headlines.
Suddenly–click-
The door swung open.
