Page 214 of Divine Obsession

I rolled my eyes at Trevor, playfully smacking his arm. “We don’t know. He’s just assuming.”

“Predicting,” Trevor corrected with a wink. He stood and turned to Maria. “Hey, can you help me with the groceries? Nat’s not supposed to be lifting anything too heavy.”

“Sure.” She smiled, already heading to the kitchen on the other side of the floor.

As Trevor followed, he gave Zach a knowing look over his shoulder.

Zach waited until the two turned the corner and were out of earshot before dropping onto the couch beside me, his usual calm veneer cracking just enough for me to notice.

“So,” He began, his voice low. “Do you think she’s ready?”

I rolled my eyes. “Not more ready than when you asked me yesterday.”

“C’mon, Nat. You gotta help me out here,” He pleaded, running a hand through his dark hair.

I shook my head. “It’s too soon.”

“But–”

“You’re both too young.”

He sighed, scratching the light scruff on his jaw. “Yeah, you’re right. I just… I want to show her how much I care.”

“Then show her with your words, time, and affection,” I said firmly. “She doesn’t care about gifts and money.”

“I know, I just–”

“Gifts are only good when there’s no intent behind them,” I interrupted, raising a brow. “And let her finish school first. You know that’s her priority right now.”

His head dropped against the back of the couch, a playful, frustrated groan escaping his chest. “I can’t wait any longer, Nat. I love her. I want to marry her.”

“You will,” I reassured him.

“Yeah?”

“Of course.”

“So, she’ll say yes?”

“If you get the right ring,” I joked, nudging him with my elbow.

Zach’s eyes flicked cautiously toward the hallway before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a red velvet box.

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. “Zach, you didn’t!”

He grinned, flipping open the Cartier box to reveal a stunning emerald-cut diamond. It was enormous but still delicate and elegant, catching the light with an almost otherworldly sparkle. Smaller diamonds encrusted the platinum band, accentuating the brilliance of the rock.

“Forty carats,” He said casually, his voice laced with pride. “Most expensive white diamond on the market.”

“And most beautiful…” I marveled at the beautiful precious stone. “How much?”

“Fifty mil.”

“You didgood.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I would’ve paid seventy for a colored one like yours in a heartbeat, but–”

“Not her style,” I finished, smiling knowingly. I knew Maria didn’t want a colored engagement ring, no matter the price. She had always said she wanted something timeless and classic, and this was it.

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