Chapter 4

Lia, the custom engagement ring I commissioned from Chaumet, had just arrived at their boutique. "Would you like to see it?"

Chaumet, the prestigious Parisian jeweler favored by European aristocracy. She’d only agreed to the arranged marriage days ago, yet the ring was already here. Had it been commissioned in advance?

Thalia replied with a simple, "Sure."

At the Chaumet boutique, the specialist, with the polished grace characteristic of the Parisian house, presented the ring. “Miss Winters, this is the ring Mr. Blackwood specially commissioned for you.”

Thalia examined the exquisite piece. A rare five-carat blue diamond, surrounded by a halo of pink and white diamonds, sparkled brilliantly under the boutique lights. It was breathtaking.

“We’ve engraved your initials inside the band, as requested.” Thalia looked closely—"AB TW" was delicately inscribed within. The thought and care evident in the design were remarkable. The ring fit perfectly.

“It’s stunning,” the specialist said sincerely.

Just then, Drake’s voice cut through the moment. “Thalia? What are you doing here?”

She turned, frowning. Drake instantly dropped Sienna’s hand. A flash of coldness crossed Sienna’s eyes before her expression smoothed.

Thalia wasn’t surprised to see them together. Not anymore.

“Just trying on a ring,” she said with a sweet smile.

Drake strode forward, his expression darkening at the sight of the ring. Thalia wiggled her fingers, making the diamonds catch the light. “What do you think? Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Anger flickered in Drake’s eyes. “No. It’s not.”

They both knew what a ring symbolized. Drake had thought Thalia understood her place. He hadn’t expected her to aspire beyond her station. Marriage wasn’t something he could offer her. She wasn’t worthy, in his eyes.

Sienna smiled brightly at Thalia. “What a coincidence! Drake and I are here to look at rings too.”

Thalia laughed inwardly. So that’s what Drake’s earlier phone call had been about. His “important business” was ring shopping with Sienna? Drake didn’t deny it.

Sienna’s eyes fixed on Thalia’s ring. That center stone had to be at least five carats. And those rare pink diamonds in the halo… this ring must cost millions. The audacity of Thalia even trying it on—how embarrassing.

Thalia ignored Sienna’s challenging gaze, admiring the ring on her hand.

“That’s quite a ring, Thalia,” Sienna said sweetly.

“Isn’t it? I think so too.”

Drake’s face darkened further. “Take it off, Thalia.”

“Why?”

“What are you playing at? Trying to pressure me into marriage?” Drake finally exploded. “I will never marry you!”

Sienna’s lips curved slightly, triumphant. “Actually, Drake and I are here at Caroline’s request,” she said, referring to Drake’s mother. “She’s very particular about the family ring.”

The implication was clear: Sienna was Caroline Ashcroft’s chosen daughter-in-law. Thalia shouldn’t even dream of joining the Ashcroft family.

Thalia found their assumptions amusing. She was trying on her fiancé’s custom ring, and they were having a meltdown? One assuming she was desperate for marriage. The other bragging about Caroline’s approval. As if the Ashcrofts were such a catch. Her father wouldn’t even consider them significant.

“Noted,” Thalia said neutrally.

Drake and Sienna exchanged confused looks. Why wasn’t she upset? Sienna studied Thalia’s face, searching for signs of jealousy or resentment. But Thalia’s expression revealed nothing. Sienna couldn’t tell if she was genuinely unbothered or simply hiding it well.

Setting aside his documents, he typed:

[Beautiful. Do you like it?]

[I do.]

His smile deepened.

[I’m glad.]

[Asher, this ring must have cost a fortune.]

[You’re worth every penny.]

His assistant, William, stood by awaiting signatures, trying—and utterly failing—to subtly steal glances at his boss. Bloody hell, was he seeing this right? The infamous Ice King of London’s financial district—the man whose mere presence could lower room temperature by several degrees—was actually… smiling? And not just any smile, mind you. The usually stoic CEO looked positively chuffed, like a man who’d just been handed the keys to Buckingham Palace.

“Documents are signed. Something fascinating about my face, William?” Asher’s voice snapped back to its usual arctic temperatures.

William practically jumped out of his bespoke suit. “Right! No, absolutely not, sir. Nothing at all. I’ll just…” He snatched up the papers, nearly dropping them in his haste. “I’ll have these processed straightaway.”

Thalia headed to the watch boutique next door, planning to buy Asher a welcome gift for her arrival in London. Her father had shown her recent photos of Asher: cool and dignified, with sharp features and striking eyes—just as she remembered. She carefully selected a sophisticated black timepiece that suited his style. As she finished paying, a familiar voice called out. “Thalia, what are you…”