Although he might not have been as wealthy as Mr. Grant, it was clear how much he adored Linton.

Shirley was happy for her.

Shirley led Annabelle and Aaron to the VIP area and served them black tea.

After a short wait, Shirley brought out the rings on a small tray.

Opening the box revealed two identical rings inside.

The ring featured a round setting, encircled by a halo of pavé diamonds. A perfectly sized pink diamond sat at the very center, creating a unique and delicate design.

The other ring was identical, except its central diamond was white.

Under the crystal chandelier, the two rings sparkled so dazzlingly it was hard to look away.

Annabelle loved the rings the moment she saw them.

’This was the second ring in her life, but it was the first time she had been allowed to choose one herself.’

’The one from Leona Grant was something he had picked out casually. She’d had no choice in the matter, yet she’d treasured it for so many years. The contrast was stark.’

Women tend to have romantic fantasies about things like aprons and rings. And while Annabelle wasn’t in love, she could still appreciate such things.

But as Annabelle looked at the ring, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it looked familiar.

Aaron noticed Annabelle’s confusion, and his smile only deepened.

Shirley, ever so perceptive, saw that they liked the rings and decided to give them a little push. "Mr. Wyatt," she said, "with jewelry like rings and necklaces, you never really know until you try them on. Just looking isn’t enough. It’s like buying clothes online—the pictures can be totally different from the real thing. You only know for sure once you wear it. Why don’t you try it on Linton? If the fit isn’t right, we can always make adjustments for you."

Aaron mentally gave the eloquent Shirley a thumbs-up. "You have a point," he said with a perfectly straight face.

He then took the ring, took Annabelle’s ring finger, and slipped it on.

It was a custom ring, so the fit was perfect—not too tight, not too loose.

Annabelle had the sort of hands people fantasize about—her fingers were long, elegant, and exceptionally fair. The ring looked stunning on her.

Aaron lifted her hand, admiring it for a moment before smiling in satisfaction. "Everything looks good on you, Annabelle."

Annabelle gave him a faint smile and said softly, "It looks so familiar."

"It only looks familiar?"

Aaron held her hand up between them. "Silly girl," he said gently. "I found it in your old drafts. Don’t you recognize your own design?"

Annabelle froze, a dazed look on her face.

She remembered. This was, in fact, the ring she had designed back in college.

She had yearned for her wedding with Leona Grant, dreaming that one day she would wear a ring of her own design, shared with the man she loved. She never imagined that in the end, she wouldn’t even have a voice in the decision.

’This design must be several years old by now. I can’t believe he was so thoughtful.’

As if reading her mind, Aaron gently wrapped his arms around her. "Silly girl, I’m making it my mission to grant your every wish. Your wedding dress, our venue in Albion... you designed those yourself, too."

Annabelle’s eyes slowly reddened.

Aaron stroked her hair, then gestured to the other ring in the box. "Put it on me."

Annabelle nodded slightly. "Okay."

She lowered her gaze, took the other ring from the box, and focused intently on placing it on his finger.