Page 49 of Bittersweet Legacy

The man beamed, and I realised he was probably working on commission as well. “Well that’s a fantastic choice.”

I glanced at Caleb, he was looking at me with a frown as if there was something he couldn’t quite comprehend or make the pieces fit.

“This is a 10-carat cushion-cut diamond, flawless and pure with a platinum band – fit for a Queen, really.”

I patted Caleb’s leg, and I felt the muscles tense under my hand. “Ah well, I’ll be his queen so it’s fitting indeed.”

The man forced a laugh at my bad joke and Caleb tightened his jaws so tightly I could see the muscles bulge.

“It’s the one,” I confirmed as the man took it out of the case and handed it to me.

I put it on my finger, it looked so disproportionate on my small hand and slender finger. It was also so heavy.

“It’s perfect,” I said, and it was – for what I had in mind.

“Are you sure?” Caleb asked, and I didn’t miss the doubt in his voice.

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

Caleb looked at me for a few seconds, his eyes narrowing. “We’ll take it,” he announced keeping his eyes on me.

“Marvellous!”

Caleb gave me a sharp nod before turning to the man. “Give him the ring back, Esmeralda, it will be placed in the safe until the party.”

“Is this really necessary?”

Caleb sighed. “Yes, it is, it is usually the protocol for a ring not yet paid for. How much for the ring?”

“This is a one-of-a-kind diamond, Mr Astor – the purity is perfection and-”

“How much?” Caleb asked, his exasperation even more obvious.

“$350,240.”

I choked on my saliva. “How much?” I gasped.

Caleb nodded. “Perfect, I will organize for the transfer in the morning. Please ensure it is ready for next week’s engagement party.” He turned toward me. “This will be all,” he added dismissing the man with a gesture of his hand.

“Anything else?” I asked once the man was gone and Caleb was still slouching on the sofa like a king. I tried to keep my excitement at bay – this ring was a godsend for my escape fund.

He sat straighter, resting his forearms on his knees. “Do you like the ring, Esmeralda?”

The question felt loaded. “Of course, I do. I picked it, didn’t I?”

“That you did,” he confirmed. “I’ve been generous, don’t you think?”

“Yes, thank you…” I trailed off, not really liking the glint I could see in his eyes.

He stood up, taking an almost-predatory stance, I instinctively took a step back, the desire to flee screaming in me.

“Come closer,” he gestured me invitingly. The smile on his face looked seductive but I knew better.

“Why?” I asked taking another small step back.

“I think I deserve a better thank you. This ring cost the price of a car.”

I couldn't help but laugh at that. “A car? Ah no, Caleb, in my world that ring is the price of quite a big house.”

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