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Diamond ring

Author: dreamywriter
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-06 06:21:08
I drew in a breath, steadying myself, my heart still running faster than I could control.

“I don’t like the thought of people treating me differently just because I’m with you,” I said at last, my voice small but firm. “If the only reason a person will smile at me is because I’m Mrs. Valero, then I don’t want it.”

Simon’s expression softened, but his words were steady. “Tina, people will always treat you differently based on your status. They treated you terribly before, but they won’t dare to now.” His eyes darkened, his jaw set. “I mean—I was subtle about it before. But now, if they so much as look at you wrongly, they’ll find themselves out of a job. They know that. They’ll act accordingly.”

I groaned, half exasperated, half moved by the way he spoke. “Simon…”

“What?” His brows lifted in mock innocence.

“You’re supposed to console me, not make matters worse. And don’t you dare fire anybody.”

His lips twitched, and he tilted his head slightly, that rare, boyish smile peeking th
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    The memory was bittersweet. White gowns, wide halls, stained-glass windows glowing with colored light—those pieces of the past hovered in my mind as I stood in the present. They were echoes of another time, another version of myself. But the similarities ended there. Because this moment was different. Entirely different. I was walking down the aisle to my husband. Simon stood waiting, and when I saw the tears in his eyes, my smile widened, real and unrestrained. I leaned into the arm of Mr. Wright, who had graciously agreed to walk me down since I had no one else. The quiet strength of his presence was a gift, and together we moved through the cathedral’s small, sunlit aisle. We had chosen a modest church. Not the lavish halls where the Valero name had once been flaunted, not the grand stages of media attention. We had waited until the noise faded, until the world turned its gaze elsewhere. Only then, with the buzz gone, could this day belong solely to us. Simon’s tears glistened

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    I shook my head almost violently, overwhelmed, until Simon pulled me down to sit beside him. His touch was firm, steady—like he had already anticipated the storm brewing inside me. “I know exactly what you’re going to say,” he began calmly, eyes holding mine. “You’re going to say we’re not.” I blinked at him, my lips parting to argue, but the words caught when he continued. “But Tina—we were never really divorced.” His voice was steady, unflinching. “I never signed the papers.” The breath whooshed out of me. “What?” My mouth dropped open, the word slipping out as little more than a gasp. “I said,” he repeated, softer this time, “you’re Valentina Valero. You’ve always been.” My mind spun. The revelation sat between us, heavy and impossible to ignore. I could barely process it when Simon’s voice rang out—calm, unaffected, as though he hadn’t just shaken the foundations of my world. “Come in.” The door opened, and a man stepped inside, pushing a cart with a large package b

  • The Arrogant Billionaire's Redemption   Diamond ring

    I drew in a breath, steadying myself, my heart still running faster than I could control. “I don’t like the thought of people treating me differently just because I’m with you,” I said at last, my voice small but firm. “If the only reason a person will smile at me is because I’m Mrs. Valero, then I don’t want it.” Simon’s expression softened, but his words were steady. “Tina, people will always treat you differently based on your status. They treated you terribly before, but they won’t dare to now.” His eyes darkened, his jaw set. “I mean—I was subtle about it before. But now, if they so much as look at you wrongly, they’ll find themselves out of a job. They know that. They’ll act accordingly.” I groaned, half exasperated, half moved by the way he spoke. “Simon…” “What?” His brows lifted in mock innocence. “You’re supposed to console me, not make matters worse. And don’t you dare fire anybody.” His lips twitched, and he tilted his head slightly, that rare, boyish smile peeking th

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