Chapter 4

"Eleanor, the custom engagement ring I commissioned from Chaumet just arrived at their boutique. Want to see it?"

Chaumet. The name alone was enough to make anyone pause. The jeweler of choice for European aristocrats, known for pieces that outshone even the finest diamonds.

She’d agreed to the marriage just days ago, but already the ring was here? Had Jasper planned this all along?

A thought nagged at her as she typed back a simple, "Sure."

The Chaumet boutique smelled like polished wood and luxury. A sleek specialist, all grace and poise, led her to a display case where the ring awaited. He looked at her with a smile that felt rehearsed.

"Miss Winters, this is the ring Mr. Blackwood specially commissioned for you."

Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at the piece: a five-carat blue diamond, surrounded by a halo of pink and white diamonds. The stones caught the light like stars trapped in glass. She reached for it without thinking.

The specialist added with a quiet pride, "We’ve engraved your initials inside, as requested."

Eleanor turned the band, her finger tracing the delicate engraving. "AB TW" — her initials, her name intertwined with his. A quiet hum of emotion stirred in her chest.

It fit perfectly. As if it had always been meant for her.

The specialist leaned in, his voice sincere. "It’s stunning."

Before Eleanor could respond, a voice cut through the moment like a blade.

"Eleanor? What are you doing here?"

She turned, instinctively stiffening.

Henry.

His eyes locked on the ring, then shot back to her with a sudden flash of anger.

Beside him, Vivienne stood, her hand casually draped in his, as though she hadn’t just been caught in a moment of betrayal. The smile on Vivienne’s face was too sweet to be genuine.

Eleanor forced herself to relax. "Just trying on a ring," she said, a smile pulling at the corner of her lips.

Henry's eyes darkened as he stormed forward, his gaze flicking between her and the ring. "What do you think? Beautiful, isn’t it?" Eleanor wiggled her fingers, letting the diamonds catch the light.

Henry’s jaw tightened. His voice was sharp. "No. It’s not."

The words stung, but Eleanor didn’t flinch. They both knew what a ring like this meant.

He didn’t want her. He had made that clear. And the ring, no matter how stunning, was nothing more than a reminder of what she would never have.

Vivienne, sensing an opportunity, flashed a smile at Eleanor. "What a coincidence," she said. "Henry and I are here to look at rings, too."

Eleanor bit back a laugh.

So that’s what Henry’s ‘important business’ call had been about. Shopping for rings with Vivienne?

Henry didn’t deny it.

Vivienne’s eyes flicked over to the ring on Eleanor’s finger. Her gaze narrowed. That center stone had to be at least five carats, with those rare pink diamonds in the halo... Eleanor could see the jealousy burning in Vivienne’s eyes.

"Quite the ring," Vivienne said, her voice syrupy sweet.

Eleanor met her gaze. "Isn’t it? I think so too."

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken tension.

Henry’s face was red now, his hand clenching into a fist. "Take it off, Eleanor," he growled.

"Why?" Eleanor didn’t back down, though her heart skipped.

"Are you trying to pressure me into marriage?" He exploded, his voice rising. "I will never marry you!"

Vivienne’s lips curled into a smug smile.

"Actually, we’re here at Angelina’s request," she added, her words dripping with superiority. "She’s particular about the family ring." Her eyes bored into Eleanor’s. "Henry and I are the future of the Ashcroft family. You don’t belong here."

Eleanor’s amusement flickered.

They were both acting like she was the one who had something to prove.

She hadn’t come here to win anyone’s approval. But watching them squirm made it hard to keep her composure.

"I see," Eleanor said evenly. "Noted."

Henry and Vivienne exchanged confused looks. They couldn’t understand why she wasn’t reacting the way they’d expected.

Vivienne studied her, trying to gauge whether she was hiding jealousy or simply too indifferent to care. But Eleanor’s expression remained neutral, as unreadable as stone.

Jasper’s text buzzed in her pocket, breaking the tension.

[Beautiful. Do you like it?]

She smiled, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.

[I do.]

[I'm glad.]

[Jasper, this ring must have cost a fortune.]

[You're worth every penny.]

Eleanor couldn’t help but grin. Her heart fluttered in a way she hadn’t expected.

Oliver, Jasper’s assistant, stood by, trying to look busy but failing miserably at hiding his curiosity. He kept sneaking glances at his boss, his mouth slightly open in disbelief.

The infamous Ice King of London—the man who could freeze an entire room with a glance—was smiling like a fool. It was... endearing.

"Documents are signed," Jasper finally said, his voice as cold as ever. "Anything fascinating about my face, Oliver?"

Oliver snapped upright, his face flushing red. "Right! No, sir. Absolutely not. I’ll... I’ll get these processed right away."

Later, Eleanor wandered into the watch boutique next door. She wanted to buy Jasper a gift—something that would suit him when she arrived in London.

Her father had shown her recent photos of Jasper: cool, composed, his sharp features matching the coolness in his eyes. Just as she remembered.

She picked out a sleek black timepiece, the kind Jasper would appreciate—simple, elegant, and understated.

As she handed over the payment, a familiar voice called out.

"Eleanor, what are you…"

Eleanor froze mid-step. Her heart skipped. She recognized that voice instantly.