Chapter. 9

{Third person's pov}

Today Everett was supposed to take Arizona and select a wedding ring for her. Arizona was in her small and old apartment when she heard the sound of a car's horn.

She peeked from the window and saw him leaning on his car, she immediately rushed downstairs, She wore a full sleeved top and a long skirt, she still had the scars of her fake parent's abuse on her body, that's why she wore the clothes that hid them all.

She walked downstairs and he looked up from his phone, He took in her attire and opened the door of the passenger seat for her.

She settled inside and he walked towards the driver's seat, as he started driving the car was quiet, only a soft music playing in the background.

Everett could sense the tension in the air, the silence between them was palpable. He stole glances at Arizona, noticing the clothes she was wearing to hide her scars. His heart ached slightly, a mix of pity and concern stirring within him.

As he continued driving, he couldn't help but wonder how she was feeling about their upcoming marriage.

Finally, he broke the silence. "You seem... quieter than usual."

She looked at him and then back at the road, "I am not feeling well." her voice was a whisper. Everett's concern deepened at her hushed words.

"Not feeling well? Are you sick?" He glanced at her again, now noticing the fatigue etched on her face. It was clear that something was bothering her deeply. He hated this distance between them.

"No I am not sick, it's just... my periods." She said and nervously played with her fingers.

Everett's worry lessened slightly. "Ah, I see. That time of the month." He paused, then added softly."Does it hurt much?"

She shook her head, "Not that much, I am fine." Everett frowned at her insistence that she was fine. He could sense the hint of a lie beneath her words.

"You might say you're fine, but you look like you haven't slept properly for days." He paused, his gaze fixed on the road.

"Arizona, you can talk to me, you know. What's really bothering you?" She looked at him and bit her lips, "I don't want to be a burden on you and your family."

Everett's grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel, frustration and something else, guilt? flashing in his eyes.

"Burden?" He scoffed, but there was no real anger behind it. "You think I brought you here because I wanted a burden? My family didn't force me. They just... suggested."

"So it was your decision of marrying me after their suggestion?" she asked, Everett glanced at her, then returned his gaze to the road. His jaw clenched as he admitted the truth he was hesitant to share.

"Yes, it was my decision." He paused, weighing his words carefully. The air in the car now felt heavier.

"It had nothing to do with pity or obligation. I agreed because I... because I..." He swallowed hard, the words catching in his throat.

"Because you?" she asked, she wanted to know that he wasn't pitying her because she hated that.

Everett sighed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening even more. He forced the words out, his voice hoarse.

"Because I care about you, more than I should."

He stole a quick glance at her, gauging her reaction. His heart pounded in his chest, the words spilling out before he could stop them.

She stared at him and then she looked at her fingers, nervously playing with them. Soon he stopped the car in front of a luxurious jwellery store and the gaurds opened the door for them.

As they walked inside they were welcomed by the staffs, Everett noticed her nervous fidgeting and the way she avoided his gaze. He stepped closer, lowering his voice as they walked into the glittering store.

"Don’t overthink it." He murmured, guiding her gently toward a private display area with velvet-lined trays of rings.

The staff approached eagerly, but Everett held up a hand to pause them. His eyes stayed fixed on Arizona.

"You pick one you like, no pressure from anyone else."

She looked at him and then whispered, "Can you select? I don't know much about these stuffs."

Everett nodded, the corner of his lips lifting into a small smile. He understood her hesitation and didn't press further. Taking a step closer, he began studying the array of rings. His eyes carefully scrutinized each one.

He picked up a few, turning them over in his hand, holding them against the light to see how the gemstones glittered.

After what felt like a painstaking eternity, he paused, his gaze locking onto one specific ring. "This one."

He held it out for Arizona to see. The ring was simple, yet somehow... it suited her. A gold band encrusted with tiny diamond chips glimmered in his hand. The staff hovered nearby, ready to confirm his selection.

"Try it on... and tell me if it fits." She looked at the ring, it was obviously one of the most beautiful ring she has ever seen. she took it and slid it in her fingers and to their surprise it fitted her perfectly.

Everett watched as she slipped the ring onto her finger. A strange mixture of relief and something else, affection? flashed in his eyes. It looked right on her hand, like it was meant to be there.

He nodded quietly at the staff, signaling that they'd made their decision. The staff began preparing the paperwork, leaving them a moment alone.