Sophia nodded. She knew it was costly but was shocked to discover it was far pricier than she had imagined when she looked it up later. This made it challenging to reciprocate. A cheaper ring wouldn’t match Livinus’s status, but anything more expensive still wouldn’t come close to the vivid blue diamond.
Sophia was at a loss.
“There’s no question. Buy something expensive but simple. Men, especially someone with refined taste like Livinus, won’t like anything too flashy. Something mature and understated that suits all occasions and matches his identity,” Barbara suggested.
That’s exactly what Sophia was thinking. Since she had never purchased a men’s ring, she sought Barbara’s input, knowing she had experience buying one for her boyfriend.
After browsing one jewelry store, Barbara led Sophia to another high-end luxury store.
This shop was renowned for its men’s rings, some of which featured elaborate designs, like eagle heads with green gemstone eyes surrounded by diamonds, costing around six or seven hundred thousand dollars. Simpler designs without diamonds were far less expensive but looked overly garish, like accessories you’d find at a street stall for ten dollars.
After some browsing, the store clerk initially ignored them but became attentive upon noticing Sophia’s car key.
“Hello, ma’am. How can I assist you?”
“Recommend a men’s ring,” Sophia said succinctly.
“What’s your budget?”
“Focus on the design. It should be simple and elegant, not too flashy. If it has diamonds, they shouldn’t be too conspicuous.”
The clerk quickly brought over several options.
Barbara pointed to one and said, “How about this? It has diamonds, but they’re not very noticeable. It looks simple and elegant.”
Sophia liked it too. Although the store was famous, the materials weren’t top-tier. This particular ring contained ceramic components and an 18K white gold base. Still, its understated design and reasonable price made it appealing, as she couldn’t think of another store with a similar offering.
“How much is this one?” she asked.
“Eighty-two thousand dollars.”
Though Barbara knew the store was expensive, the price still surprised her. She felt an urge to drag Sophia out of there.
To her surprise, Sophia remained expressionless, calmly pulling out her card and paying without hesitation.
Barbara sighed inwardly, realizing her own poverty had limited her imagination.
The store clerk, now beaming, said, “Miss, you’re the most decisive customer I’ve ever encountered.”
“Am I really that fast when it comes to shopping?” Sophia asked, amused.
“You’re incredibly fast!”
Sophia chuckled, leaving the store with Barbara. Outside, she approached a sports car, prompting Barbara to let out an audible gasp.
“Sophia! You’re really full of surprises! When did you buy this luxury car? You’re officially a rich woman!”
Sophia laughed. “He gave it to me.”
“Livinus? My goodness! He’s the epitome of a CEO! So generous!”
Sitting in the passenger seat, Barbara couldn’t help but touch everything in awe, concluding that Sophia was now genuinely wealthy. If she married Livinus, she’d transform into a phoenix soaring high. Considering the media’s constant coverage of Sophia and Livinus, Barbara felt it all surreal. But no one was happier for Sophia’s success than she was.
Back when Sophia’s parents suddenly passed away, she had been devastated and lost so much weight she was unrecognizable. Barbara had been heartbroken for her and supported her as best she could, encouraging her to study hard. To her surprise, this former underachiever not only became skilled in medicine but also grew more beautiful and found an even better partner after her divorce.
It seems like Sophia is well on her way to reaching the pinnacle of her life. How wonderful!
—
That evening, Livinus was working overtime in his office when Sophia tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hmm?” he murmured without looking up.
Clearing her throat, Sophia handed him a ring. “You’ve given me so many things, I didn’t know what to get for you. Please wear this ring.”
Livinus lowered his gaze to the ring box. The design was simple yet elegant, featuring black ceramic with diamond accents. The diamonds weren’t overly dazzling but were neatly arranged, giving the ring a subtle sophistication.
He picked up the ring and slid it onto the ring finger of his left hand. Surprisingly, it fit perfectly—not too loose, not too tight—indicating she had carefully measured his size beforehand.
“You’re wearing it on the wrong finger,” Sophia pointed out.
“Oh? Am I?” Livinus’s eyes gleamed, locking onto hers. His deep black eyes radiated a fiery intensity mixed with a possessive undertone.
Sophia was briefly stunned but saw him faintly curl his lips into a smile as he said nonchalantly, “I’m just…”
“Just what?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Practicing in advance, getting used to it,” he replied.
The ring finger of the left hand was traditionally reserved for wedding bands. Practicing in advance could only mean…
Sophia didn’t respond, but her heart stirred.
Before she could say more, Livinus wrapped her in his arms. Her natural scent—neither perfume nor medicinal—was a sweet, innate fragrance that stirred his emotions.
