---- mean to buy two. I bought yours first, and then Mireille said she liked it too..." I didn't take the box back. "Thanks, but I already have too many rings." The dinner ended with the others laughing while I remained silent once more. I didn't even get a chance to speak with my mother. "Sera, thanks for hosting us tonight." Mireille wrapped her arm around my mother's, her smile sharp. "But we'd better hurry back. There'll be traffic soon." Mother nodded, not refusing. But to my surprise, she said softly, "Come by my office next week. I have something to discuss with you." Next week... I'd be gone by then. But I nodded anyway. Elias waited until everyone else had left, lingering behind. He handed me the little box again, his voice sincere, almost pleading. "I've truly learned my lesson. I shouldn't assume you can handle everything on your own. As your husband, I should..." ---- "Elias, that's not it." I turned away, refusing to take the ring box. "Leave now. I'm tired." "Please, give me another chance. I'll prove it to you. How about I take you to our honeymoon place? We could-" In order to shut him up, I nodded, though I had no intention of meaning it. "Alright. Just pick me up next week. I have some free time then." His whole face lit up, the glimmer of hope in his eyes unmistakable. He probably thought I was finally forgiving him. Never once did he imagine that my " yes" was nothing more than a way to silence him.