Damiano would have asked. Damiano would have noticed the shadows under my eyes and the tension in my shoulders.
But Andreas just slides into the driver’s seat, and says, “I thought we’d pick out your engagement ring today. I know a jeweler in the diamond district. Very exclusive. Only the best for my future wife.”
My future wife. The casual possessiveness makes my skin crawl. He’s assuming I’m going to marry him, without bothering to ask if I’m ready. I suppose he already cleared everything with Mom and Dad behind my back, and that’s good enough for him.
I force a smile. “Sounds great.”
“You’re going to love this place,” Andreas continues as he drives. “They cater to all the top families in Malus. The Montonis have been clients for generations. Cristiano will no doubt buy Ariana’s engagement ring there.” He glances at me, and his smile is all white teeth and no warmth. “Though, of course, yours will be even more impressive.”
I notice he doesn’t ask what I want. It’s about what everyone else will think. What they’ll say. How impressive we’ll look.
“I have some ideas about wedding venues,” he continues. “The Malus Grand Hotel has an excellent ballroom. Very prestigious. I’ll set up a viewing.”
Of course he will. Without bothering to ask what I want.
I stare out the window, remembering Damiano at the jewelry auction, bidding on those canary diamonds, not because they were the most expensive, but because I loved them. Seeing me smile was worth two hundred thousand dollars to him.
“Here we are,” Andreas says, pulling up to a gleaming storefront withCastellano Fine Jewelersetched in gold on the window.
Inside, the store is all marble and crystal chandeliers, dripping with old money and exclusivity. A distinguished older man in an impeccable suit greets us immediately, and Andreas introduces him as Mr. Castellano, then explains what he’s looking for.
He leads us to a private viewing room and begins bringing out trays of rings. Massive diamonds, intricate settings, all breathtakingly expensive.
All wrong.
“What do you think of this one?” Mr. Castellano holds up a ring with an enormous cushion-cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones. “Five carats, VVS1 clarity, D color. Exceptional quality.”
I examine it carefully. The stone is flawless, perfectly cut with excellent fire and brilliance. The setting is platinum, well crafted. It’s objectively beautiful. It’s also ostentatious and absolutely not my taste.
“It’s pretty,” I say neutrally, setting it back down.
“Pretty?” Andreas laughs, and there’s an edge to it. Like I’ve said something wrong. “Lucy, it’s magnificent. This is exactly what I was thinking. The size makes a statement. Everyone will be talking about this ring.”
There it is again. Everyone will be talking about it. Everyone will notice. Everyone will be impressed. What about if I like it? Does it suit me? Will I be happy wearing it every day for the rest of my life?
Mr. Castellano looks between us, his professional smile faltering slightly. “Perhaps the young lady would like to see some other options? We have some beautiful emerald cuts, or perhaps a more delicate setting.”
“No, no,” Andreas interrupts, his voice sharp. “Lucy knows quality when she sees it. Don’t you, darling?” He picks up the massive ring and reaches for my hand. “Let’s see how it looks.”
He slides it onto my finger without waiting for my answer. It’s heavy, cold, and gaudy.
“Perfect,” Andreas declares, admiring how it looks on my hand. “We’ll take it.”
I pull my hand back slightly, and his smile tightens. For just a moment, I see irritation flicker across his face. Then it’s gone, replaced by that charming mask.
I force myself to smile as my heart sinks like a stone in deep water. This is my life now. A man who makes decisions for me and who cares more about status than my happiness.
I think of Damiano, and my throat tightens with unshed tears. I have to look away before Andreas notices.
“We’ll need it sized, of course,” Andreas is saying to Mr. Castellano. “How long will that take?”
“A few days. I can have it ready by Friday.”
“Excellent.” Andreas stands, already pulling out his credit card. “Lucy, why don’t you look around the store while I handle this?”
I take off the ring and get shakily to my feet. Everything’s happening so quickly. If I don’t get away from Andreas right now, I’m going to fall apart. “Actually, I’ve just remembered that I have to go. I need to do some shopping. It’s very important. For the wedding.”
“But, Lucy—”
