Chapter 7 

Joshua: [Hey, Allie. The engagement ring I custom–made for you at Tiffany & Co. has arrived at their store in Havenbrook. Stop by when you get a chance to check it out.] 

Allison was surprised that the ring was ready so quickly since she had only agreed to the engagement a few days ago. Was it pre–ordered? She didn’t bother to ask and just replied with a simple: [Okay.] 

Inside the store, the sales associate greeted her warmly and presented the ring. “Ms. Allison, here is the ring Mr. Fisher had specially made for you.” 

Allison picked up the ring and took a closer look. The ring featured a rare five–carat blue diamond surrounded by smaller pink and colorless diamonds, sparkling brilliantly under the store lights. 

“The inside is engraved with your and Mr. Fisher’s initials,” the associate added. 

Allison examined it carefully and saw the letters engraved inside. Clearly, a lot of thought had gone into it. She slipped the ring onto her finger–it fit perfectly. 

“It’s absolutely stunning,” the sales associate complimented sincerely. 

Just as she admired the ring, Shawn’s voice unexpectedly broke the moment. “Allison, what are you doing here?” 

Allison frowned and turned around. As she did, Shawn let go of Kate’s hand. A fleeting look of anger flashed in Kate’s eyes but was quickly replaced by her usual demeanor. 

Seeing Shawn with Kate didn’t surprise Allison one bit. She smiled sweetly and said, “Trying on a ring, obviously.” 

Shawn approached, his expression darkened when he saw the ring on Allison’s hand. She waved the dazzling diamond ring playfully and asked, “What do you think? Isn’t it beautiful?” 

A glint of anger flickered in Shawn’s eyes. “No, it’s not.” 

They both understood the significance of the ring. Shawn had assumed Allison was compliant and reasonable. He never imagined she’d desire something that wasn’t hers to have. Marriage was not on the table for him, and in his mind, Allison didn’t deserve it. 

Shawn kept silent, his face a mask of coldness. Beside him, Kate smiled at Allison. “What a coincidence, Ms. Allison. Shawn and I are here to look at rings, too.” 

Internally, Allison scoffed. So it was Kate who had called Shawn earlier. Was his “something came up” just him and Kate going shopping for rings? 

Shawn remained silent, essentially confirming Kate’s words. Kate’s eyes settled on the ring on Allison’s hand. She thought, ‘Tsk, that blue diamond in the center has to be at least five carats, and it is surrounded by rare pink diamonds. This ring must be worth a fortune. Does she really think she can pull off wearing something like that without the means to buy it?” 

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Chapter 7 

In response to Kate’s provocative comment, Allison merely shrugged it off with a dismissive “Oh” before continuing to admire the ring, totally unbothered by their presence. She couldn’t deny it–Joshua had impeccable taste, and she was delighted with the ring. 

“Allison, your ring is really beautiful,” Kate said with a smile. 

“Yes, I think so, too,” Allison replied, unfazed. 

Shawn’s face was a storm. “Allison, take the ring off.” 

“Why?” Allison asked, feigning innocence and tilting her head at him. 

“Why are you trying on the ring? To pressure me into marriage?” Shawn snapped, his temper flaring. “I will never marry you!” 

Kate’s lips curled into a subtle, smug smile. “Allison, Shawn and I are here at Cindy’s request to 

try rings.” 

Cindy was Shawn’s mother. Kate’s message was clear: I’m the daughter–in–law Shawn’s mom wants, so Allison, you should stop dreaming about joining the Reynolds family. 

Allison watched the duo with amusement. She was merely trying on the engagement ring her fiancé had custom–made for her, and here they were, making a scene as if something epic had 

happened. 

Chapter 8