Page 85 of Lorenzo's Claim

“I’m looking for something specific.” He glanced down at me as his eyes landed on my ring finger momentarily. “Something to match my wife’s wedding band.” He smiled.

Wait a minute… Was he looking for an engagement ring?

I was happy with my ring. I didn’t need something else or an additional band, but Lorenzo didn’t seem to do things by halves. Wearingjusta wedding band didn’t seem like an option for him anymore.

“Of course. We have plenty. What’s your budget?” he asked as Lorenzo chuckled.

“There isn’t one,” he replied, causing me to choke on air.

“Lorenzo, I don’t need fancy diamonds. We’re already married.” I blushed, trying to pull him away from the cabinet.

“I know and I went about everything the wrong way, so please, will you let me do this for you?” he asked, leading me to a plush velvet chair in the corner of the room.

I sighed, giving up the fight. It was hopeless, anyway. “Okay, but nothing too expensive.”

“You wait here. Let me surprise you, and see if I can get it right the second time tonight.” He smiled, cupping my face for a second before returning to the gentleman.

I couldn’t see what rings Lorenzo was looking at, and didn’t even try to snoop. I’d let him surprise me, he seemed to do wellso far. After a few minutes, I saw him point to the one he decided on as the gentleman mirrored my husband’s smile.

“An excellent choice, Signor Ricci.” He handed Lorenzo the velvet box as he spoke. “The centre stone is a rare oval diamond. It’s one of a kind.”

Lorenzo strode over to where I sat, dropping to one knee the second he reached me. “What are you doing?” I blushed.

“Everything backwards.” His lips split into a boyish smile, and it made my heart flutter. I looked down at the open box, my breath caught in my throat at the sight of the ring. The oval diamond was indeed beautiful, surrounded by a halo of smaller stones. It took my breath away as my fingers trembled and traced the box.

Lorenzo took my hand in his, wasting no time sliding the ring on my finger beside my wedding band. It was heavy, not because of its weight but the meaning behind it. It was as though it was a testament to him changing, to him wanting to be better with and for me. I tore my eyes away from the ring, focusing my attention on Lorenzo who appeared different. He looked like a content man, a man who would do anything for the woman he called his wife.

He remained on one knee, not taking his eyes off of me. “Lorenzo…” I began, unsure of what to say.

He silenced me by his touch alone, his thumb brushing my cheek as his gaze intensified. “You wear a wedding band, I know,” he breathed. “But I want you to have this, too. I want to show you and everyone else that you’re mine. And that I’m yours.” His words were simple, but they carried the weight of a thousand unspoken truths. My chest tightened, and my eyes stung with unshed tears.

Reaching up, I traced the scar on his cheek. “I don’t need a ring to know that,” I whispered.

“Maybe not.” He smiled. “But I do.”

There was a clearing of a throat beside us, bringing us back to reality and out of our bubble. “Sorry to interrupt, but would you like your purchase wrapped, Signor Ricci?”

“No, thank you. She’ll be wearing it now,” Lorenzo replied, rising to his feet before handing his card to the shopkeeper. “Charge the amount to this.”

“Thank you. It’s beautiful.” I whispered, admiring the ring that graced my finger.

“Nowhere near as beautiful as you.” He wrapped his arms around me, bringing his lips to mine in a sweet, gentle kiss. “That was cliché, wasn’t it?” He chuckled, kissing me one more time.

“Not at all,” I responded, mirroring his laugh.

Once the ring was purchased, we said our goodbyes and headed back into the bustling square where live music played. It was incredible witnessing the laughter, love, and secrets of the city.

The scent of citrus from nearby orchards mingled with the aroma of freshly baked cannoli, creating a heady perfume that hung heavy in the air. Strings of twinkling fairy lights criss crossed above, casting a warm, festive glow over the bustling crowd. We drifted over to where the band played, and I couldn’t hide how happy I was at that moment.

Lorenzo pulled me into his arms, his hands settling on my hips as we swayed to the music. “What are you doing?” I exclaimed.

“Dancing with my wife like I should have done at our wedding,” he said, leaning in closer as I melted into him. I rested my head on his chest, his heartbeat a gentle rhythm against my ear as the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

The music swelled around us, the notes wrapping us in a cocoon of intimacy. His hand moved up to cradle my face,his thumb brushing my cheek. “Let’s go home.” He kissed my forehead. “I need you all to myself.”

Just as I needed him.

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