The jewelry store sparkled with enough diamonds to ransom a small country . I sat rigidly on a plush velvet chair while Raymond paced in front of the glass cases , his expression distant as if this were just another business transaction . " What about this one ? " the clerk asked , pulling out a delicate band with a modest diamond . I nodded . " It's beautiful . " " No , " Raymond cut in immediately . " Too simple . Show us something more ... elaborate . " The clerk , sensing a big commission , eagerly pulled out a gaudy ring with an enormous center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds . " This might be more suitable for the future Luna , " she beamed . I cringed . " It's a bit much for everyday wear , don't you think ? " Raymond barely glanced at me . " We need something that makes a statement . People expect certain things from the Luna's ring . " For an hour , this painful dance continued . Every ring I showed interest in , Raymond dismissed . Every ostentatious piece I disliked , he considered . The poor clerk's enthusiasm was visibly waning as she brought out the fifteenth tray of rings . " Perhaps madam would like to try some on ? " she suggested , desperation creeping into her voice . " Excellent idea , " Raymond agreed , selecting three rings I had shown no interest in . " Try these . " With a forced smile , I reached for the first ring , a white gold band with an aggressively large diamond . As I tried to slide it onto my finger , it stopped at my knuckle . " That's strange , " I murmured , trying the next one with the same result . " None of these fit . " The clerk frowned . " That is odd . I double - checked that these were all in the size you requested . " I glanced at Raymond , who had suddenly become intensely fascinated with a spot on the far wall . A cold suspicion washed over me . " Raymond ? " I prompted , my voice dangerously quiet . " Why don't these rings fit me ? " He ran a hand through his hair , a telltale sign of discomfort I'd recognized since we were children . The clerk , sensing tension , discreetly retreated to help another customer . " I might as well be honest , " he finally said , meeting my eyes . " I'm buying a surprise for Giana . These rings ... they're meant for her fingers , not yours . " Chapter 15 +15 BONUS Even though I'd suspected it , the confirmation still felt like being doused with ice water . " You're buying matching rings for you and Giana ? While shopping for our wedding rings ? " " I needed a reason to be here without her suspecting , " he explained , as if this made perfect sense . " You can pick out a similar design for your wedding ring . That way , we'll all be coordinated for the ... arrangement . " My throat tightened . The sheer audacity of it - to bring me along as a cover while he bought tokens of love for another woman . " Fine , " I managed , turning to the cases . My eyes landed on the most ostentatiously expensive ring in the display - a massive princess - cut diamond on a platinum band encrusted with smaller diamonds . " I want that one . " Raymond's eyes widened when the clerk returned and quoted the price . His jaw clenched , but with the clerk watching expectantly , he had no choice . " We'll take it , " he said through gritted teeth , pulling out his credit card . Twenty minutes later , I walked out of the store with an empty ring box and a hollower heart . Raymond had hastily departed with his purchases , promising to meet me later for Luna training . As I stood on the sidewalk , my phone rang . Lilly's cheerful face flashed on the screen . " Aurora ! " she squealed when I answered . " Mom just told me you and Raymond were buying rings today ! Please tell me you have it ! " I forced brightness into my voice . " Just finished shopping . " " Oh my god , we have to see it ! Ethan and I are downtown right now . Coffee shop on Main ? Fifteen minutes ? " I hesitated , but couldn't bear to disappoint her . " See you there . " Lilly and her brother Ethan were already seated when I arrived , two steaming mugs of coffee waiting on the table . Lilly jumped up to hug me , while Ethan's warm smile was a balm to my battered spirit . " Let's see it ! " Lilly demanded , reaching for my left hand . Her excitement faded to confusion when she found no ring . " Where is it ? " 2/2 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!