Chapter 10
1/2
Chapter 10
By coincidence, the jewelry store was right there in the mall.
Minutes later, he walked in with Serena.
The moment the manager spotted Damien, he hurried over, presenting a dazzling sapphire ring with both
hands. “Mr. Whitlow, we engraved your wedding date inside, just as you requested.”
A smile tugged at Damien’s lips as he nodded. “Wrap it up.”
Serena couldn’t take her eyes off the ring, deaf to everything the manager was saying.
“It’s gorgeous!” she exclaimed, assuming it was for her. “No need to wrap it. Put it on me!”
With that, she raised her hand, reaching eagerly for the ring.
The manager hesitated, rubbing his nose awkwardly. “Miss…”
“Serena,” Damien said evenly, “this ring is for Avery. Pick a different one.”
Then, he took the ring, snapped a photo, and sent it to Avery.
“Do you like it? This is your anniversary gift. It goes with your bracelet.”
Serena’s hand froze in midair as she stared at him in disbelief.
Damien didn’t notice her stare. He passed the ring back to the manager and asked for a nice box.
“Damien, I want that one. Give it to me,” Serena said through clenched teeth.
“No,” he said, rejecting her without a second thought.
Then, he caught the look on her face and added, “That ring has our wedding date engraved. It’s not for
you. Choose anything else you want, but that one belongs to Avery.”
“I want that one!” Serena insisted.
It was the first time he had ever refused her, and worse, he had done it for Avery. She couldn’t stand it.
Damien still didn’t budge. He pressed his lips into a thin line, his expression growing darker as he met her
gaze.
Serena’s heart skipped a beat, her fingers trembling.
It was just a ring. Why wouldn’t he give it to her? Could it be?
The manager stepped in quickly, “We have many beautiful rings. Let me show you a few.”
Serena huffed and turned to browse.
Damien ignored her and checked his phone.
Chapter 10
2/2
More than an hour had passed since he messaged Avery, but there was still no reply.
For the first time, he felt restless enough to call.
Just then, Serena called him over to settle the bill. She had picked a ring and several other pieces worth
far more than the sapphire ring.
Damien knew she was acting out, but he said nothing and paid.
Serena let out a sigh of relief, convincing herself that she had been overthinking. Damien was probably just being firm in his stance. It wasn’t that he had actually fallen for Avery.
Then, as they walked out of the store, Serena saw Damien immediately call Avery.
However, an automated voice answered, “The number you have dialed is unavailable…”
Damien’s brow tightened. Avery must have blocked him. How could she dare?
“Dami,” Serena said, pouting, “you promised to shop with me, but your mind’s been elsewhere. If you’re that worried about Avery, then go. I can shop on my own!”
On any other day, he would have soothed her right away. This time, though, he only nodded. “It’s the first time she hasn’t replied to my messages. And she even blocked me. I’m going back to see what she’s up
to.”
With that, he turned on his heel and walked off, leaving Serena behind.
