Keep Your Ring, Mr. Haverford

(Vivian's POV)I glanced at my wristwatch again, trying not to let the disappointment in my heart show.My untouched cup of coffee sat on the table in front of me, slowly losing its warmth as I sat alone in the corner of the jewellery shop.He was late...Again.This time, he was two hours and ten minutes late... and still counting."Ma'am," someone called politely.I gently turned. It was the shop manager. She looked concerned and overly cautious, probably afraid of upsetting me."Shall we go ahead and bring out the limited-edition pieces for you? You can take your time choosing while you wait..."While I wait...I had heard those words so many times lately that they were beginning to feel painfully familiar.I had waited when we went to try on our wedding outfits. I had waited when we went to inspect the wedding venue. I had waited for him at almost every appointment we had made for the wedding.And now, I was waiting again while I was supposed to be choosing my wedding jewellery.H

(Vivian's POV)My chest tightened. I was making an issue out of everything? Just for expressing my concern? How could he say that to me in front of everyone?"How many times do I have to tell you that there's nothing between Laura and me? She's just a representative from your dad's company, and we're working together on a project."His voice held so much anger as he spoke, as though my accusation had personally offended him."Do you think everyone is like you?" he fumed.My eyes narrowed slightly as I stared at him. I knew exactly what he was referring to, but I still hoped I was wrong."Some people still know how to respect the boundaries of a relationship," he continued. "They don't need to be reminded of what loyalty means."The people around us furrowed their brows, their eyes moving between Ronald and me as they wondered what he meant by that.My entire body went completely cold. My heart thundered violently against my chest.Ronald's words were not direct, but I understood what

(Vivian's POV)The bright morning sun cast light shadows through the window, brushing softly against my face and forcing me awake.I slowly opened my eyes, my head throbbing as I stared at the familiar room.My bedroom.I remembered that I had driven home straight from Ronald's office after overhearing his conversation with his friend yesterday.I had locked myself in my room and cried for hours until I was completely exhausted. I had cried myself to sleep.Now it was morning, but the pain hadn't gone away. It was still there, weighing heavily on me.I couldn't tell what hurt more. Was it the fact that the man I was supposed to marry in a week's time hated me so much that he wanted to trap me in a miserable marriage?Or was it that I had just lost the relationship I had devoted five years of my life to?My phone beeped on the nightstand, pulling me out of my thoughts. I quietly reached for it.It was a message from the bridal shop.>>> "Dear Ms. Sterling, this is a reminder that your