Chapter 36: Unspoken Promises
Lilia's breath caught. She hadn't expected this—of course, she hadn't. Not after Zethan's earlier comment about her not having a ring. Who would have thought this unpredictable man always planned ahead, to the point of even surprising her?
The soft glow of the lights flickered, casting gentle shadows on their faces. She could hear her own heartbeat.
Then, just as she thought the moment would stretch on into eternity, she heard him speak.
"Loris, your hand," he said again, this time gentler, as if they hadn't just been locked in a back-and-forth sparring match.
Hesitantly, she lifted her hand, unsure of what to expect next. The weight of the moment hung over her like an unspoken promise. Slowly, she placed her hand atop Zethan's, the warmth of his palm seeping into hers.
Just as she placed her hand on his, he used his other hand to press the button on the small box. It clicked open instantly, the sound startling in the quiet of the car.
Her eyes widened, and she gasped, unable to hold it in. The ring inside was breathtaking—delicate yet intricate. A stunning pink diamond sat at the center, surrounded by smaller, shimmering diamond-like stones along the edges. Under the soft glow of the car's lights, it glittered beautifully, almost as if it had a life of its own. Every facet seemed to sparkle with a quiet brilliance like it carried its own secret story.
As time seemed to slow, Zethan began to slip it into her palm. His movements were deliberate, as if he was giving the moment the care it deserved. It was as though everything else in the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them in this surreal, fragile moment.
As he began to slip the ring onto her finger, a warmth blossomed in her chest—an unfamiliar yet comforting sensation. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Why did she feel this way? Was it because moments like this were meant to be cherished? Or was it the man before her—the man who, unpredictable as he was, felt like a constant in a world full of uncertainties?
Then, his voice broke through her thoughts.
"Loris, what do you think?"