Embers of Betrayal

chapter 46: the ring

After a year...

At a picturesque garden, beautifully decorated with flowers and fairy lights. The sun is beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the scene. Dr. Alexander and Bernadette stand under a white arch, surrounded by close friends and family. The air is filled with joy and the soft sound of birds chirping.

Bernadette looks radiant in a simple yet elegant dress, her smile bright and genuine. Dr. Alexander stands beside her, his eyes filled with love and admiration. He takes a deep breath, holding the ring carefully in his hand, ready to place it on Bernadette's finger.

Dr. Alexander: (softly, with emotion) Bernadette, I have waited for this moment for a long time. I never thought I would be lucky enough to have you by my side like this.

He gently takes her hand, his touch tender and reverent. As he slips the ring onto her finger, he looks into her eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Bernadette:(teasingly) This is a beautiful ring, Dr. Alexander. What's behind that smile? Does it have a secret story?

Dr. Alexander chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with a mix of fondness and nostalgia.

Dr. Alexander: (nodding) Yes, it does. It has a secret story that I’ve been keeping close to my heart for a very long time.

Bernadette’s eyebrows crossed though smiling sweetly, curiosity is piqued, and she squeezes his hand gently, encouraging him to continue.

Bernadette: (softly) Tell me, please.

Dr. Alexander: (taking a deep breath, his voice filled with emotion) When I was away, when I am in medical school,  before all of this happened, I found this ring in a jewelry store owned by Ms. Helene Madrigal-Onassis. I don’t know what drew me to it, but the moment I saw it, I thought of you. It felt… right. Like it was meant for you.

Bernadette listens intently, her eyes locked on his, her expression softening with each word he says.

Dr. Alexander:(continuing, a hint of sadness in his voice) After graduation from medical school, and passed the medical board exam, I came back with this ring in my pocket, filled with hope and a plan. I was going to confess my feelings to you which I hide since our childhood. And if you felt the same way, I was going to propose marriage right then and there.

A wave of surprise washes over Bernadette’s face. She hadn’t known this part of their shared past.

Bernadette:(softly) Really?

Dr. Alexander: (nodding, his voice growing quieter, filled with emotion) Yes. But when I came back, I found a wedding invitation waiting for me. Your wedding invitation. My heart sank, and I knew I was too late. I knew you had chosen someone else, and all I could do was to keep the ring away and let you go. I went abroad for my residency and specialization... Right after tour wedding party I fly.

Tears well up in Bernadette’s eyes as she realizes the depth of his feelings for her, feelings that he had hidden for so long out of respect and love.

Bernadette: (whispering) Oh... I never knew...

Dr. Alexander: (smiling gently) I didn’t want you to know then. You were happy during your wedding, and that was all that mattered to me. I never wanted to interfere with your happiness.

He takes a moment to compose himself, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

Dr. Alexander: (softly) But now, after everything we’ve been through, I know this ring was always meant to be yours.Destiny takes its course... It waited for the right time, just like I did. And I’m so grateful that time is now, that we get to start this new chapter together.