For Gia

“Mr. Knight, you should really get this one. It’s beautiful,” Mr. Chandler beamed, his polished smile practically dripping with excitement. The man was a salesman to the core; his enthusiasm was a well-rehearsed act designed to convince people like me to part with outrageous sums of money.

I’d been standing in this upscale jewelry store for what felt like an eternity, staring at trays of diamond rings. Each one glittered under the soft, flattering lights, reflecting the kind of wealth and luxury I’d been able to afford for a long time. But none of it mattered unless Freya would love it.

Freya. The name alone tugged at my chest. I pictured her in my mind—her radiant smile, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she laughed. She had mentioned, in passing, that visiting Italy was a dream of hers. So, I made it happen. Tickets were booked, the villa reserved, and a private gondola ride planned for the proposal.

Our relationship might have just begun, but I cared less about timelines and what people said. Freya was it for me. I’d been waiting years for her, and I certainly wasn’t going to lose her just because it seemed too soon.

“It’s going to look fantastic on your fiancée,” Mr. Chandler chimed in, disrupting my thoughts.

I gave him an uninterested look, unwilling to feed his enthusiasm. It didn’t matter what ring he showed me; everything would look stunning on Freya. She was beautiful, inside and out, the kind of woman who made you believe in poetry and fate. But I wasn’t naive enough to think his enthusiasm was genuine. He wasn’t imagining how the ring would look on Freya’s delicate finger; he was picturing the commission.

The ring he held up was stunning—a 30-carat emerald-cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones, the kind of ring you could spot from across a room. Thirty million dollars, and worth every penny for her. But as breathtaking as it was, I hesitated.

Freya wasn’t the type to flaunt. If it were up to her, she’d probably pick the simplest band in the store and call it a day. But this wasn’t just about her taste; it was about making a statement. She was the love of my life, and I wanted the world to know it. I wanted a ring that would scream, “Back off; she’s taken!”

I scanned the display and picked up another ring. This one was different—still ostentatious, but more her style. A round brilliant-cut diamond with a timeless design. It sparkled under the lights, elegant yet bold, much like Freya herself.

“That’s an excellent choice,” Mr. Chandler said, his tone shifting into a reverent whisper as he leaned closer. “It’s 24 cara—”

My phone buzzed loudly, interrupting him. I answered. “Hello?”

“Mr. Knight?”

“Yes?”

“I’m calling from Gia’s school. Ms. Wilson is not here to collect Gia. We’ve tried to reach her, but her mobile phone appears to be switched off.”

I stilled, the words sinking in. Gia! Where the heck was Freya picking her up? She’s normally so reliable. I glanced at the clock. It was over an hour past dismissal.

“Okay, I’ll be there in fifteen. Can I talk to her?” I asked, already putting on my jacket.

“Of course.”

“Daddy?” Gia’s little voice, hesitant but familiar, came through the line.

“Sweetheart, wait for me, okay? I’ll be there very soon.”

“Okay.”

I hung up, adrenaline kicking in. Freya’s phone going straight to voicemail was a bad sign. She never turned it off. Where the hell was she?

The ring?” Mr. Chandler’s voice pulled me back.

“I’ll take it. Bill it to me.”

“Yes, definitely—”

I didn’t wait to hear the rest of his answer. I was already out the door, dialing Chris, my driver, as I strode through the lavish hallway to the exit.

“Bring the car around. We’re going to Gia’s school,” I barked, stepping into the chilly November air.

Chris, ever efficient, had the car waiting. I climbed in, my mind racing.

Gia sounded calm, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in my gut. Freya not showing up wasn’t just unusual—it was unheard of. Had something happened to her? Was she in trouble?

I dialed her number again; the call went straight to voicemail. I didn’t have time to consider all the worst-case scenarios, but the possibilities gnawed at me. Accidental? No. There would have been a call if that were so.

“Drive faster,” I told Chris, my tone sharper than intended.

He nodded, accelerating through traffic. I tapped my fingers against my thigh, trying to control my anxiety.

By the time we reached the school, I was already unbuckling my seatbelt. Gia was waiting outside the main entrance, bundled in a puffy jacket, her backpack slung over her shoulder.

“Hey, sweetheart,” I called out.

She looked up, relieved but also frustrated.

“You’re late,” she said, pouting.

“I know, baby. I’m sorry,” I said, crouching down.

“Why didn’t Mommy come? All my friends left,” she said, arms crossed.

I searched for suitable words. “I suppose she got busy with important matters,” I said cheerfully.

She looked at me skeptically but was too tired to argue.

“Well, come on, let’s go home,” I said, helping her up.

As we walked to the car, I checked my phone again. Still nothing from Freya. Whatever was going on, I was going to find out. But right now, Gia mattered most.

I buckled her into the car and got in beside her. She leaned against me, her irritation fading as sleep overtook her.

“Chris, let’s go,” I said, calmly but firmly.

As the car pulled away, I stared out the window, my mind churning. Freya’s absence was a puzzle I was determined to solve.