Chapter 33: A Jewel
Arabella found her chance to spend time with Demetri when they left the store. As they walked out of the mall, she spotted a small shop and quickly placed her hand on Demetri’s arm. "Demetri, it is Great Uncle’s birthday soon and I have been thinking about what to get for him."
"Look at that storefront. They have antique Golconda diamonds. Maybe I could buy something like that for him? He likes collecting those thick rings with stones, doesn’t he? And I know it will be difficult for you to make time for me again, so please come there with me. It will only take a few moments, and I am sure no one will mind. Please? For Great Uncle?"
Demetri sighed but gave in. He had already avoided her as much as he could and was about to pass her on to his brothers. With this gift for their grandfather, she could not voice any valid complaints. With a nod, he indicated that she should move towards the jewellery store.
Inside, the saleswoman was ready with her pitch as soon as they were seated. "Ma’am, as you may know, the Golconda diamonds are known for their higher degree of transparency. We have only two pieces in the Golconda diamonds at the moment... This is an 80-carat pale blue tablet diamond set-up..."
"Demetri, don’t you think Great Uncle would love this?"
Demetri looked down dispassionately at the ring and shrugged his shoulders. Assuming that to be a positive, she beamed and ordered the salesperson to pack it up for her.
She turned to Demetri, once again expecting him to offer to pay, but the man had already moved on, his eyes fixed on another display. She looked at the beautiful diamond necklace in the transparent case that he was looking at and quickly made her decision. There was no woman in Demetri’s life, and if he was looking at a necklace, then it would be for her.
Demetri had never been very expressive with words, but his actions had always spoken loud and clear. He hadn’t forgotten that she shared her birthday with Great Uncle Elijah. Her ruse had worked perfectly. He was already looking for a gift for her. She would not be responsible for ruining his surprise for her.
She quickly slipped away to give him a chance to complete the purchase. At the same time, the saleswoman took her chance and approached the silent man, ready to begin her pitch. "Sir, this is the Heart of Light diamond..."