Chapter 5 Picking the Wedding Ring (1)

• "Okay," Edwin agreed swiftly, noting Anna's hesitance. He continued, "After we're married, Dana can still come and visit often. I'll make sure to bring her back whenever possible, or you can consider moving in with us later on."
• Once Anna and Fred approved the marriage, his plan seemed to fall into place.
• "We wouldn't want to intrude on you newlyweds. Plus, we'd miss our neighbors too much. It's better if you just visit us when you can," Anna responded warmly.
• Edwin's words seemed to ease her concerns, prompting Anna to reconcile herself with the idea: it was merely like her daughter had grown up and moved out yet remained close by.
• Moreover, gaining such an outstanding son-in-law felt like acquiring a new family member, a sentiment that brought her comfort.
• ...
• After the meal, Dana was promptly ushered out by Fred, who insisted she and Edwin get the marriage certificate.
• As they walked, Dana grumbled, "Didn't I tell you to tell them that you're just a boyfriend? So why did you tell my dad we're getting the certificate today?"
• "I only promised to keep our elopement from your parents, not that we couldn't get the certificate today," Edwin replied coolly.
• As a soldier, Edwin was supposed to value honesty, but here he was, bending the truth.
• Dana was infuriated. "Liar! This is practically eloping."
• "We've been dating for five months," Edwin claimed, crafting a backstory to make their sudden marriage seem more plausible.
• Dana looked at him incredulously, feeling overwhelmed by his deceit and manipulation. This man was too sly, too calculating, making her feel utterly trapped.
• "Get in the car," he commanded, holding the passenger door open for her.
• "Where to now? Remember, we've already got the marriage certificate, and my parents aren't here. So, there's no need to keep up appearances," Dana reminded him, wary of his intentions.
• She was relieved she could stay at her place until the wedding, avoiding the need to move in with him immediately.
• Her plan was to stroll around on her own for a bit and then head back home before dark.
• "I'm taking you to pick a wedding ring," Edwin stated flatly.
• "Huh? That's not necessary!" Dana quickly objected.
• Why a wedding ring? She did not want the constant reminder of her rushed marriage every time she saw the ring—it would just depress her.
• "Either get in the car on your own, or I'll throw you in," he offered, presenting her with a choice that sounded more like a threat.
• Infuriated by his audacity, Dana thought, If it's a ring he wants, I'd choose the most extravagant, most expensive diamond ring—let him pay through the nose.
• Diamonds are forever, and so are their debts!
• "I prefer the designs from Krone International. If we're getting a wedding ring, it has to be from the Krone Jewelry flagship store," she declared defiantly.
• He claimed to be a soldier, so his supposed billions were likely a bluff, and this Rolls-Royce could very well be just for show.
• After all, if he truly had that much wealth, he would have been scrutinized and reported long before now.
• Well, if he was going to rush her into marriage, he had better be ready to face the consequences.
• The Eliot family, founders of Krone International, are known as the wealthiest family in both Crownhaven and Rivoria.
• The current CEO, Reagan Eliot, whom she idolizes, has diversified the company into real estate, aviation, fashion, and luxury goods, among other sectors.
• Their jewelry division, celebrated for producing some of the world's finest handcrafted pieces, has earned a reputation as the pinnacle of luxury, commanding exorbitant prices for its creations.
• Edwin gave her a sharp look, then spun the car around and headed toward the flagship jewelry store.
• Half an hour later, the black Rolls-Royce they were in pulled up at the First International Shopping Plaza.
• Edwin then guided Dana from the car into the mall, taking the elevator straight to the Krone Jewelry flagship store.
• Upon seeing Edwin, the store manager rushed over in surprise and respect, exclaiming, "Mr. Edwin, how may I assist you today?"
• Edwin responded curtly, "We're here to pick out a wedding ring for my wife," simultaneously affirming Dana's new role.
• The manager, momentarily stunned, regained his composure.
• Despite rumors of Edwin's aversion to physical contact, here he was with a woman by his side.
• The woman wore a soft pink satin dress that fell to her knees, her features finely crafted, radiating a youthful purity.
• Her face was bare, enhancing the natural curve of her eyebrows, shaped like crescents. Her eyes sparkled like stars, complemented by a straight, delicate nose and lips tinted a subtle red. Her complexion was porcelain-like, flawless and radiant. Silky, black hair cascaded smoothly down her back, adding to her ethereal appearance.
• Mr. Edwin and the woman present a striking contrast: he's stern and strong, she's delicate and youthful—though let's be clear, Mr. Edwin is not old. He's still very much in his prime.
• All things considered, they appear quite well-matched.
• After returning to his senses, the manager began, "This way, Mr. Edwin, Our flagship store houses all the ring designs by Krone International."
• As Dana followed, overhearing, the manager referred to Edwin as 'Mr. Edwin' piqued her curiosity about his actual status.
• While Edwin's aura suggested he was more than a mere soldier, possibly a high-ranking officer, his reputation in this upscale setting hinted at even greater depths to his background.
• Because generally, people with some influence often adopt grand titles to boast of their status.
• "Choose whichever you like," Edwin said, giving Dana the freedom to decide.
• Dana, with her eyes sparkling, looked at him meaningfully.
• Okay!
• At the jewelry counter, the bright lights nearly dazzled her as she gazed at the array of diamonds.
• After a bit of feigned contemplation, Dana's eyes mischievously settled on a ring featuring a 13.14-carat pink pear-shaped diamond encircled by smaller diamonds. Smiling sweetly, she pointed and said, "Honey, I want this one. It's stunning."
• "Sure, wrap it up," Edwin responded without a second thought, signaling to the store manager.
• "Of course," the store manager replied, expertly packaging the ring, impressed by Dana's exquisite taste.
• Dana initially wanted to test Edwin by choosing the priciest option, but his ready acquiescence left her more astonished than amused.
• The ring cost a staggering 80 million, a fact she learned from a magazine promoting it as the store's showpiece.
• "Do you need any other jewelry? Keep choosing," Edwin urged her, noticing her shocked look.
• Snapped back to reality by his words, Dana remembered her intent to financially strain him.
• With a newfound resolve, she questioned, "Are you sure you brought enough money?"
• The store manager, overhearing their conversation, found Dana quite entertaining. After all, the Krone International Jewelry flagship store belonged to Edwin's family. Why would they need money to take items from their own store?