Chapter 90
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-APOLLO-
I didn’t want my mate to be present when they unveiled the rings since I was worried about hurting her feelings. But asking her to leave in front of everyone would only make her feel worse, so that wasn’t an option.
I had no part in choosing the rings for Jada but Lana didn’t know that and I didn’t think telling her would make much of a difference.
Instead, I simply dropped both my mother and Jada at the jewelry store and waited in the car for them to return.
“It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen!” my mother exclaims while shaking the box in front of everyone. “My son didn’t hold back for his future wife. He spent as much as she wanted. But who could blame him? Look at my daughter–in–law! Any man would want to spoil her!”
They were overhyping it. I had seen the ring after they bought it, and honestly, it wasn’t anything to brag about. It was expensive, that much was clear when I got the purchase notification, but it felt lacking in substance.
What they didn’t know was that while they stopped at the mall to pick up some extra items for the engagement ceremony, I took a detour to a different jewelry store to choose a ring for my mate.
I didn’t like the idea of Lana not having anything from me and knowing I wanted to shower her with gifts.
Before leaving the house today, I had grabbed one of Lana’s old rings to note her size for the jeweler. So, while my mom was occupied, I picked out something I felt would truly suit my mate. The ring paled in comparison to her beauty, but I knew it would look stunning on her hand. Lana had slender, delicate fingers that would make any ring shine.
The cost of her ring was also ten times greater than the one Jada had picked, since I had given my mother a budget and asked her to assist Jada in selecting accordingly.
My gaze was fixated on Lana as they carefully lifted the lid of the ornate box, allowing everyone around to catch a glimpse of its contents. She appears visibly uneasy, her fingers fidgeting with her jeans, as if she were preparing to make a hasty exit at any moment.
It was hard for me to watch.
“It is gorgeous.” My stepmother says while taking a closer look at it. “A pretty ring for a pretty girl!”
“I agree,” my father says with a warm smile. “It brings me joy to see a girl like her encouraging my son to finally settle down and start a family!”
I wince at his words. Jada wasn’t the reason I had consented to this marriage, but my father was unaware of that. He still remained oblivious to the situation back at home, and I hoped it would stay that way.
“Lana,” my mother calls out, surprising all of us by engaging her in conversation. “What do you think of the ring my son chose for Jada? Isn’t it beautiful?”
My jaw clenched. Why did she single out my mate to ask her such a question? Why did it feel as though my mother was purposefully trying to rub it into her face? Her behavior was beginning to worry me.
Lana glanced over at me, and my heart sank when I saw the hurt in her eyes. She struggled to respond to my mother, leaving an uncomfortable silence in the air as everyone waited for her to say something. We shouldn’t have been staring at each other in plain view like this, but I couldn’t pull my gaze away. flonged to walk over to her, wrap my arms around her, and ease the pain I had caused with my actions.
“I think it doesn’t really suit Jada’s hand,” Isabella piped up on behalf of her sister. “The ring is too big and doesn’t sit neatly on her finger.”
My mother immediately bristled, clearly offended by her opinion. She was the one that asked, if she couldn’t handle the response, then she should have stayed quiet from the start.
“Well, I beg to differ, Isabella, she retorts, “I think it looks stunning on Jada’s hand. I helped her pick it out, and I have impeccable taste.”
11:33 Wed, 16 Jul i GU
Chapter 90
My father rubs the back of his neck, clearly sensing the tension hanging in the air. “I think we should all go out to dinner again to celebrate, especially
since the last one was cut short.”
Jada beams, “That’s a lovely idea.”
“I agree,” my mother chimes in, glancing at her watch. “If we want to have dinner, we should get dressed and leave within the next hour.”
“I don’t think I can make it this time,” Lana replies, her eyes distant and her expression sorrowful.
Damn it.
Seeing her like this pains me more than I can say.
“Why not?” my stepmother asks, concern flickering in her voice. “Is something the matter? Are you feeling unwell?”
Lana nods, “I have an upset stomach. I wouldn’t want to ruin dinner for everyone.”
My jaw tightens. Honestly, dinner would be ruined for me if she doesn’t come.
“Just stay back and rest, Lana,” my mother tells her, but her concern feels forced, and it frustrates me that my mother and Lana clash so much. “The rest of us will have fun for you!”
If she wasn’t going, I desperately wanted a reason to stay behind as well. But I knew that would only stir up trouble.
My mate quietly excuses herself and walks out of the room. It takes all my self–control not to follow her.
“Alright, everyone else, get dressed. We leave in an hour,” my father commands.
Even though I don’t want to go, I have no choice. After getting ready in a rush, with only fifteen minutes to spare, I decide to check on Lana before heading out. I want to make sure she’s alright, even though I know she might not want to see me after everything that’s happened. Still, I can’t stay away.
I’m surprised to find her door slightly ajar. I knock once, then again when there’s no answer.
Still nothing. I start to worry and push the door open hurriedly. To my relief, I find my mate sound asleep on the bed.
I know buying her a ring could send mixed signals, but I couldn’t resist when I saw it today. It’s perfect for her. I reach into my pocket and pull out the ring
box.
Trying to make as little noise as possible, I open it and take out the ring. I lean over her, gently take her hand, and slowly slide the ring onto her finger, She doesn’t move at all, confirming that she’s in a deep sleep, which I’m grateful for. I doubt she would have accepted the ring if she’d been awake.
Stepping back, I admire how it looks on her finger and feel a swell of pride. The ring truly is perfect for her in every way.
“Apollo!” I hear my mother calling from a distance.
Fuck.
I rush out of the room, trying to act as normal as possible when I spot my mother near the stairs. Luckily, she hasn’t seen anything.
“We’re all waiting for you,” she tells me, urgency lacing her tone. “Hurry up.”
Damn it I can’t bear the thought of spending my life like this–marrying someone I don’t want to be with means countless more dinners just like this one that I’d rather skip.
What am I doing? How am going to get through this?
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