A faint shimmer passed through his eyes.

’Annabelle, no matter what the future holds, no matter what obstacles may stand between us, trust me. I promise you a lifetime of peace and a world without worries, so you can live out the rest of your days in comfort and warmth.’

Once the rings were on, they placed their hands together. They were an impeccable match.

Aaron Wyatt wrapped his arms around Annabelle Linton and kissed her forehead. Annabelle smiled blissfully, her eyes crinkling with joy.

The jewelry store’s lights were exceptionally bright, illuminating the couple. Their expressions were clear and undisguised.

Leona Grant saw Annabelle Linton take out an invitation and hand it to someone. The two of them were holding hands as they introduced themselves.

He watched Aaron Wyatt stroke her hair, kiss her forehead, and pull her into an embrace, while Annabelle Linton looked utterly blissful.

The diamond on the ring refracted a brilliant light, illuminating their eyes and stinging his.

It was only then that it truly hit him.

’So, the day after tomorrow, she’s going to be someone else’s fiancée.’

The past played out vividly in his mind, but now it had all vanished like smoke, leaving behind a bitter sense of irony and helplessness.

But the one small consolation was that his gamble had paid off.

His staying away truly had become the source of her happiness. Without Leona Grant in her life, Annabelle Linton was happy and content, her days filled with hope and anticipation.

It was an expression she’d never worn when she was with him.

’He had really made her suffer all these years... With him, she’d never had a single day of peace.’

A saying came to Leona Grant’s mind just then: "All partings make way for true love."

’So, he was just a fleeting part of her life, while Aaron Wyatt was the one she was meant to be with.’

He subconsciously glanced up at the glass window.

The salesclerk was boxing up the ring.

Aaron Wyatt said something that made Annabelle Linton laugh, and her whole face seemed to light up, her features growing exquisitely radiant. She was as dazzling as a small sun.

He pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin on the crown of her head as he murmured something to her. The same look of hopeful anticipation was on both their faces.

Leona Grant lowered his gaze, a faint, sad smile touching his lips. Then, he quietly slipped away.

He, like the ring she had left behind, had finally been replaced.

And they were both destined to be tucked away, never to be seen or spoken of again—quietly forgotten, quietly discarded.

...

After buying the rings, the couple went home. Annabelle Linton started packing.

Their real wedding was to be held in Albion.

They were holding an engagement party and a wedding ceremony here simply because Annabelle Linton had been born and raised in this city. It was important for her to let her local friends and family know she was getting married.

After the engagement party, she and Aaron Wyatt would go abroad for a while to get settled in. Then, they would return to hold a wedding ceremony here, leave together with Ryan, and finally, have a grand, formal wedding in Albion.

But... Annabelle Linton paused at that thought.

The last time they’d discussed it, Ryan had seemed hesitant.

But she would respect his decision. After all, he’d lived here for so many years; it was only natural for him to be attached to the place.

Annabelle Linton turned on the stereo and listened to music as she packed her clothes.

Aaron Wyatt had gone to his office to arrange the handover of his duties and wouldn’t be back tonight.

Once he finished, he would transfer to the company’s branch in Albion. It was all to prepare for their future together.

A smile touched Annabelle Linton’s lips at the thought.

’Finally. A new life is about to begin.’

She felt as if she’d been reborn.

As she was packing, the doorbell rang.

’Who could that be? Aaron?’

[PS: Who’s at the door? The first person to guess right in a five-star review gets 100 book coins! Also, this is tomorrow morning’s Chapter, posted early since I won’t have time then. The next Chapter will be up tomorrow afternoon. Sorry for the weird schedule, my dears! Things will be back to normal on Monday. Thanks for all your support and patience! Mwah, and finger hearts!~]