Chapter <b>68</b>
Valerie was baffled. She was certain she had given Matthew a <b>fake </b>ring, a cheap two–for–one deal that had only cost her 20 dors, gift box included.
Before Valerie could piece together the <b>unfolding </b>events, Matthew gently took her hand, showing her the ring on his own right hand–the very one she had <b>given </b>him,
Valerie <b>was </bpletely taken aback. She murmured inwardly. ‘If the fake <b>ring </b>is here, could the one in the box be real? When did he buy it? And why didn’t he tell <b>me </b>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 <b>has </b><b>a </b>fake ring, while the <b>real </b>one has been securely stored all along.”
Julian, who had been doubtful before, <b>now </b>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 <b>his </b>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 <b>Ashley </b><b>and </b>remarked. “You were right. A proposal ring carries deep significance. It <b>would </b>indeed be tragic to lose it. Seems like getting a fake <b>was </b><b>a </b>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 <b>back </b>into its box and nodded, “Yes, you’re right.”
A flicker of annoyance crossed Ashley’s face <b>as </b>she nced at the clock, noticing it was 12 o clock. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
<b>Valerie</b>, 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 <b>engrossed </b>in their <b>meal</b>, she leaned closer to Manhew <b>and </b>whispered, “When did you get the real ringt Did you expect this toe out?”
Matthew’s <b>response</b>, delivered in a hushed, resonant tone, amused her. I’ve always inade it <b>clear</b>–1 don’t use fakes,” he said, his voice deep andpelling.
<b>Valerie </b>was both amused and bewildered by his admission. She remembered the day she handed him the ring, now realizing why he <b>had </b>seemed so <b>perturbed</b>. He must have been <b>upset </b>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 <b>a </b>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 <b>she </b>might need to work extra hard for the next few months to afford her share.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Matthew raised an eyebrow, amused by her offer. I can certainly afford a diamond ring for my wife,” he said with a <b>chuckle</b>.
Valerie paused, then smiled sofily.
“<b>What’s </b>so funny?” Matthew inquired.
“It’s just that sometimes, Mr. Grant, you’re incredibly stubborn about the oddest things. Valerieughed softly. He had a strong will and a <b>decisive </b>manner. Once he made <b>a </b>decision, it was final. He hadn’t even consulted her before buying the ring-
Despite his assertiveness, he <b>was </b>not overbearing or controlling. He treated her with respect.
At that moment, Valerie felt profoundly grateful to be married to someone <b>to </b>understanding.
D