Smoks and Cigarettes

6. Envy

' Mom, can you not give our family jewel to someone else ? '

Fiona supposed to serve a cup of tea to Nathan. Taking tea in morning is a part of Nathan's daily routine. As usual she came and served him tea. But the time when she turned to leave, Dominion Signet caught her eyes. At the sight of that precious jewel, her eyes glistened. Her smile widened, not a genuine smile at all. It was like a filthy greedy grin. She asked Helen ' Mom, what's that ? '

Helen was annoyed looking at Fiona. Yet she said calmly ' Your dad's wedding ring. '
Fiona happily said ' Dad's wedding ring !! Jesus, it's so beautiful. I can't let my eyes off. It's such a precious ring, marvelous. Where has this ring been all this time? '

' In safe ' Helen replied in short speech. Fiona is a wicked minded women. Helen's simple reply, she can drag it to a new length. She shook her head and thought her mother-in-law is indeed a smart lady. She took precautions so that no one can get their hands on the ring ? What a vicious move!! Fiona plastered a smile and naively asked ' Then why did you take it out now ? '

' Will give it to Rhys on their engagement day. '

Fiona was dumbfounded. What did she said ? She will give it to Rhys, Elijah's fiance ? Is she crazy ? Who give their family jewel to someone outside of their family ? That too also to the grand son-in-law. Fiona is definitely not happy that she's going to lose that precious ring. She is totally against of it. So she hurriedly asked if the ring should not be given to someone.

Helen raised her brow. She obviously did not like Fiona's words. How daring!! But Helen didn't lose her calmness. She replied in cool manner ' Our family jewel ? Who's family jewel ? That's my family jewel, family ring of Derek's. '

Fiona rolled her eyes. She's feeling irritated now. This dumb lady is trying to get on her nerves. What did she mean by her family ring ? And why would she give that ring to that Rhys Brooks who is just an outsider when Her son's are the direct heir ? Fiona felt frustration bubbling up in her chest. This damn oldie!!

' But that's dad's wedding ring, mom. '

Nathan was silent for the entire time but could not bear to be silent anymore. He took off his sunglass and sat in a straight manner, said ' You're right but you're wrong also. It might be my wedding ring but not my possession. It's family tradition to pass the family ring to the right men of the family. It might be my wedding ring but that's totally your mother-in-law's concern who she would give it to. That's her choice and I appreciate her. '

Fiona argued back ' But dad that's mom's family's jewel then why give it to someone else other then our family's son ? '

' Do you have a problem with mom giving the family ring to someone else or your sons not getting it ? '

They heard a familiar voice. Nathan smiled as he saw Rowena, leaning on the doorframe of the belcony standing leisurely. Rowena, in her early 40s but looked young, stood on the balcony of her parents' grand mansion. Her skin is flawless with a hint of wisdom from her years. Her bright eyes show depth and resilience, and her dark hair, touched with a bit of dark brown, falls simply over her shoulders. She wears a cream-colored blouse and tailored trousers, highlighting her slim figure. The breeze gently moves her clothing, adding to her serene look. Leaning on the doorframe, she exudes calm confidence, framed by the elegant lines of the mansion.

Helen's eyes turned soft. Rowena is the only person who at least try to understand her. She looked at Rowena with her side eye, gesturing her to stand closure. Rowena knew what her mother wanted her to do. She stepped forward and stood beside Helen.

Fiona was flabbergasted. Her face paled. She started sweating and stuttered ' What do you mean ? Why would I say that ? '
Rowena smiled devilishly ' Though you didn't say anything but you know, action speaks louder than voice itself. You're actions are saying that much.