Chapter 4

"This pair of rings symbolizes forever," I said. I pointed at one of the rings in the display case, and my voice had a hint of excitement in it.

The main stone was a creamy white pearl, and small diamonds were set around it. The design was simple but elegant, with this soft, gentle quality to it. It was exactly how I imagined marriage should be. Simple but meaningful.

Ryan stood next to me and glanced down at the price tag. His brow furrowed slightly. "Over 15 hundred dollars? We don't need to spend that much. Marriage is just a formality anyway. An expensive ring isn't practical."

"But I really like it," I said. I paused and looked at him. "This design is special. It has meaning."

He pressed his lips together, and he seemed annoyed. "Let's keep looking. Maybe we'll find something better."

I looked down at the rings again. The excitement I'd felt a moment ago had been doused like someone threw cold water on it.

That was when a familiar voice cut in. "Oh wow, you guys are here too?"

I turned around and saw Emily walking through the door.

"What a coincidence," she said with a smile. She walked over to Ryan's side and glanced casually at the rings on the counter. "Are you picking out wedding rings?"

Ryan seemed to brighten up immediately. "Yeah, we're just looking."

"Let me see."

Emily walked right up to the display case and scanned the selection for a few seconds. Her eyes quickly landed on a bracelet instead.

"This one's nice," she said. She pointed at a diamond bracelet in the case and smiled at the sales assistant. "Can you take it out so I can see it?"

The sales assistant immediately brought out the bracelet and handed it to her.

Emily slipped it on casually and turned her wrist to admire it. "What do you think? Does it look good?"

"It looks great," Ryan said without hesitation. Then he added, "It really suits you."

"But it's too expensive. Seventy thousand dollars." Emily raised an eyebrow and handed the bracelet back to the assistant. "I'd better pass."

"That's a shame," Ryan said. I could see the disappointment flash across his face, and he actually looked hurt about it.

I froze. Something inside my chest twisted painfully.

Emily turned slightly to look at me. "How's it going with you two? Have you picked out wedding rings yet?"

My smile felt stiff. "Not yet. We're still looking."

"I'm sure Ryan won't mind spending money on your rings, right?" Her tone was light and playful, like she was just making casual conversation, but her words felt like a needle jabbing into my heart.

Ryan didn't respond. He turned to me instead. "Let's keep looking. No rush to decide."

We left without buying any rings.

In the mall's underground parking garage, Ryan was about to open the car door when he suddenly turned back.

"Get in the car. I think I left something upstairs."

He jogged away like he was racing to catch something before it was too late.

Ten minutes later, he came back. There was this strange excitement on his face that he was trying to hide.

On the drive home, I sat quietly and watched the streetlights blur past my window.

"Why are you so quiet today?" Ryan asked while he was driving. He sounded confused.

I lowered my eyes. "Was that ring set really that expensive?"

He looked startled, like he hadn't expected me to bring it up. "It's not about the price. We just don't need something that complicated. A simple ring is fine."

"Is that right?" My voice came out so quiet I could barely hear it myself.

The car went silent.

After a long pause, he finally spoke again. "You're usually so reasonable. What's wrong with you today?"

I turned to look at him and tried to keep my voice steady. "You're right. I am too reasonable."

When we got home, I closed the door behind me and finally unclenched my fists.

I lay down on the couch. That last little bit of warmth I'd been holding onto was almost completely gone.