Chapter 68


    Chapter 68


    Valerie was baffled. She was certain she had given Matthew a fake ring, a cheap two–for–one deal


    that had only cost her 20 dors, gift box included.


    Before Valerie could piece together the unfolding events, Matthew gently took her hand, showing


    her the ring on his own right hand–the very one she had given him,


    Valerie waspletely taken aback. She murmured inwardly. ‘If the fake ring is here, could the


    one in the box be real? When did he buy it? And why didn’t he tell me anything about it? She looked


    at Matthew, puzzled. Holding his hand felt like a burning sensation, making her heartbeat


    elerate.


    As Matthew brought the two fake rings together, he rified to Julian, “Each of us has a fake ring,


    while the real one has been securely stored all along.”


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    Julian, who had been doubtful before, now felt a wave of relief upon seeing the genuine ring.


    Seeing Matthew holding hands with Valerie, Julian let out a sigh. He felt that Matthew, with his cold


    demeanor, was unlikely to be affectionate. However, it pained him to think that his sweet sister was


    paired with such a reticent man..


    Fortunately, despite his cool exterior, Matthew seemed to treat Valerie quite well. He then turned to


    Ashley and remarked. “You were right. A proposal ring carries deep significance. It would indeed


    be tragic to lose it. Seems like getting a fake was a smart move, don’t you think, Ashley?”


    Ashley was visibly frustrated. She had aimed to make Valerie look foolish but found herself


    outmaneuvered. With a sheepish grin, she ced the diamond ring back into its box and nodded,


    “Yes, you’re right.”


    A flicker of annoyance crossed Ashley’s face as she nced at the clock, noticing it was 12 o clock.


    Her eyes sparkled with mischief.


    Valerie, meanwhile, paid little attention to Ashley’s strange antics, too caught up in her own


    thoughts.


    Matthew’s unexpected revtion about the ring had taken her by surprise. While Julian and Ashley


    were engrossed in their meal, she leaned closer to Manhew and whispered, “When did you get the


    real ringt Did you expect this toe out?”


    Matthew’s response, delivered in a hushed, resonant tone, amused her. I’ve always inade it clear–


    1 don’t use fakes,” he said, his voice deep andpelling.


    Valerie was both amused and bewildered by his admission. She remembered the day she handed


    him the ring, now realizing why he had seemed so perturbed. He must have been upset and


    quietly bought a recement. She couldn’t help but think his calmposure was fascinating.


    Without his steady presence, she doubted she could have managed today’s events.


    “Mr. Grant, how much did the ring set you back? They must have been expensive. I should help


    with the cost,” she said, her voice faltering slightly as guilt washed over her. Although she had never


    purchased a diamond ring, she knew the price was steep. She feltpelled to contribute,


    especially since he was only helping her deal with her family.


    She wondered about the cost, thinking she might need to work extra hard for the next few months


    to afford her share.


    Matthew raised an eyebrow, amused by her offer. I can certainly afford a diamond ring for my wife,”


    he said with a chuckle.


    Valerie paused, then smiled sofily.


    “What’s so funny?” Matthew inquired.


    “It’s just that sometimes, Mr. Grant, you’re incredibly stubborn about the oddest things. Valerie


    laughed softly. He had a strong will and a decisive manner. Once he made a decision, it was final.


    He hadn’t even consulted her before buying the ring-


    Despite his assertiveness, he was not overbearing or controlling. He treated her with respect.


    At that moment, Valerie felt profoundly grateful to be married to someone to understanding.


    D