(Mia's Pov)
At the Seattle harbor boutique, the sales associate greeted me warmly. I told her I had a custom-made ring delivered here. She requested my name and when I told her, a box with a ring was given to me.
I opened it and was surprised at what I saw.
"Isn't it magnificent?" came the sales associate's voice.
"It is," I replied.
Inside the box was a five-carat rare purple diamond, encircled by delicate yellow and colorless diamonds, sparkling brilliantly under the lights. It was so breathtakingly beautiful, almost looking unreal.
"Your initials are engraved inside the band," the sales associate said.
I picked up the ring and turned it slightly, inspecting the engraving inside.
"SC MJ"
I only knew mine - Mia Jones. The other was unknown to me, I thought of possible names I had come across with such initials, but none came to mind.
It was clear that a great deal of thought had gone into this design.
Slipping the ring onto my finger, it fit perfectly, as if he had my hands measured before making it.
"It's gorgeous," the sales associate remarked sincerely.
Just as I was admiring the ring, a familiar voice cut through the boutique.
"What are you doing here, Mia?"
I frowned slightly as I turned around to meet Ben standing behind me, with Cindy by his side.
Cindy's eyes turned dark for a fleeting second, but she quickly regained her composure. She flashed a sweet, carefree smile.
"Trying out rings," I said.
Ben's expression darkened instantly.
He took a few steps forward, his gaze fixed on the engagement ring on my finger.
I lifted my hand, and tilted my fingers slightly, letting the massive diamonds catch the light.
"So?" I asked with a bright smile "isn't it beautiful"
A flicker of anger flashed in Ben's eyes.
"No," he said coldly, "It's ugly.
Cindy, standing beside him, smiled lightly.
They both knew what that ring represented.
"Marriage"
Which was one thing Ben wasn't willing to give me.
"What a coincidence, Mia," Cindy said, bracing her palms around Ben's hands. " "Ben and I are here to look at rings too.
Then her gaze drifted to the ring on my finger.
"Tsk. That purple diamond has to be at least five carats. And the surrounding hollow of yellow diamonds?
This ring has to be worth at least nine or ten million," Cindy made all the calculations aloud.
I have to admit, this unknown fiancé of mine has a good taste. I beamed as I thought about it.
"Mia, that ring is absolutely stunning," Cindy said with a smile.
"Isn't it?" I think so too"
Ben's expression turned even darker.
"Why are you even trying on rings?"
"Because I'll be getting married soon," I told Ben.
"What do you mean married? You barely broke up with me just a few days ago, and here you are talking about getting married," his voice grew sharper.
I didn't say anything. I didn't need to.
"Mia," Cindy called, "We're here on Mrs. Smith's order." The Mrs. Smith she had mentioned was none other than Mrs. Mary Smith, Ben's mother.
Cindy's meaning was clear- " I'm the one Ben's mother has chosen. The Smith family has already accepted me, so don't think about marrying into their family, Mia."
I studied the pair in front of me and almost laughed out loud.
I had merely tried out the engagement ring my fiance sent me, and these two were...
One, self-absorbed, convinced I was clinging to a man who didn't want me
And the other, so eager to flaunt that she had Mary's approval.
But seriously?
The Smith family?
That tiny Seattle nouveau riche household?
My father wouldn't even consider them worthy.
"Oh, I got it," my tone was completely indifferent, as if nothing of this mattered.
Both Cindy and Ben froze for a second.
I could see Cindy studying my face carefully to find even the slightest trace of jealousy or resentment, but my expression was completely flawless and unreadable.
"Mia, do you think this is funny? Did you know that Cindy and I were coming here to look at rings today, so you showed up on purpose to wait for me?"
His words were sharp and relentless. "Just look at yourself right now. It's embarrassing.
Ben was completely angry now. Throwing accusations in one breath.
Rather, I smiled. My voice light.
"Oh, I'm embarrassing?"
I tilted my head slightly.
Ben was livid. No matter what he said, it was like throwing punches to thin air. I simply refused to react.
Frustrated, he shot a furious glare before storming out the boutique.
"Ben, wait for me," Cindy quickly chased after him.