Chapter 5

B I A N C A

I arrived at the jeweler’s store the next day and the moment I set my eyes on the wedding ring, I was surprised. It was the most beautiful ring I’ve ever set my eyes on.

It was a marquise diamond ring. The diamond was huge and sparkling. It was set on a platinum band with smaller diamonds embedded all around it. The craftsmanship was exquisite. The diamond was so big that it looked like it was going to swallow my finger whole, but still managed to fit my finger perfectly.

I didn’t think much of it beyond the fact that Damian was always precise and a perfectionist, someone who made sure everything was perfect no matter what it was.

Right on cue, his text message popped up on my screen. “How is the ring? Does it fit?”

Instead of texting back a reply, I took a picture of the ring on my finger and sent it to him. 

His response came a second later. “It looks pretty on you. Your hands make it look even better.”

I raised an eyebrow at the text, choosing to ignore it instead. He was probably drunk or something. 

I decided I was going to get him something nice too. Out of courtesy, since he had handled everything himself, I figured a good watch would be appropriate. 

I turned to the clerk, a middle aged woman with a kind smile. "It's nice," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Miss Salvatore," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Mr. Moretti was very specific with the design. He has spent so much time with the designers, making sure every single detail was perfect. He said this ring was for someone very special to him."

I only nodded. What she doesn’t know is that Damian was a perfectionist, he would equally get the same for anybody else. It was just his personality. It definitely wasn’t special like she thought.

"Actually, I want to get him something too," I said, my mind made up. "I'd like to see your collection of classic men's watches."

"Of course," the clerk said, leading me to a different section of the store. "Right this way, Miss Salvatore."

I found myself drawn to a particular watch. It was a classic, timeless piece. A Patek Philippe Grand Complication, with a platinum case and a black dial. It was understated, yet elegant. Just like Damian.

"This one," I said, pointing at the watch.

The clerk's eyes widened slightly. "An excellent choice, Miss Salvatore. This is a very exclusive piece. We only have one in stock."

"I'll take it," I said, and she nodded.

Just then, Lucas and Natalia walked into the store. Of all the jewelry stores in New York, they had to walk into this one. And of all the times, it had to be when I was here, with a multi million dollar ring on my finger and about to buy an equally expensive watch.

"Bianca? What are you doing here?" Lucas asked, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw me. 

I turned to face them, my expression cool and composed. "I should be asking you that question too." I said, looking between the both of them. 

Natalia didn’t give Lucas the chance to respond, before she stepped forward, a saccharine smile plastered on her face. “Actually, Lucas insisted we come here to buy our wedding rings. I felt like my proposal ring was enough, but he said I deserve a bigger diamond, right babe?”

Lucas’s eyes zeroed in on the ring on my finger. His jaw dropped and his face darkened with anger. "I thought I made myself clear that I’m never going to marry you, Bianca. You can't just go around and buy yourself a ring and pretend like we're engaged!"

I almost laughed at the absurdity of his words. Did he really think I would buy a ring for myself and pretend to be engaged to him? The audacity of this man.

Natalia spoke up again, "Your three years doesn’t mean anything compared to a lifetime with me. His family clearly adores me too, they will never accept a poor lowlife like you. So, I think it’s high time you start moving on, Bianca." She said, her voice sickeningly sweet.

She was right about one thing. I was moving on. But not in the way she thought.

Lucas's gaze traveled from my finger to the watch I was examining. "And what's this? A Patek Philippe? Whose money are you trying to spend, Bianca? Did you steal my credit card again?"

Again? I had never once in my life stolen from him. But of course, that's what he would think. That I was a thief and a gold digger.

Natalia gasped. "How could you do that? That's theft, Bianca! You could go to jail for that! You’re buying such an expensive watch just to get him to marry you? You are truly pathetic!"

It was as if Natalia’s words were giving him more fire. "I will never marry you, Bianca! Stop with this fantasy! You are nothing! If this behavior continues, I might just kick you out of my house for good! Then you will really be homeless!" Lucas threatened, his voice rising.

I looked at them, a slow and deliberate smile spreading across my face. They were so pathetic, so wrapped up in their own little world of self importance that they couldn't see the truth right in front of them.

It was embarrassing, their faces red with anger for absolutely no reason. They looked like clowns.

I only shook my head, choosing to ignore their tirade. I turned back to the clerk, who had been watching the entire exchange with a neutral expression. "I'll take the watch," I said to her. "Please have it wrapped for me."

Lucas suddenly grabbed my arm roughly, his grip tight. "Did you not hear what I said, Bianca? This watch means nothing! Return it right now! I’m not marrying you!"

I finally had enough. I yanked my arm from his grasp and snapped, "I don’t want to marry you either, Lucas! You mean nothing to me anymore! And this watch is not for you!"

He looked genuinely stunned. "Not for me? Then who is it for?"

"My fiancé."