𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 | 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐓 𝐖 𝐄 𝐍 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐍 𝐈 𝐍 𝐄

Sevan

I was in the middle of some paperwork, buried under client emails and invoices, when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw Winston's name pop up. I immediately grinned, knowing exactly why he was calling.

"Hey, Sevan." Winston's voice came through the line, and I could hear the excitement in it. "The engagement ring is ready."

I felt my heart flutter like a love-sick fool. Just hearing those words made everything feel real. "That's fantastic! I'll be down in a few." I replied, already pushing back my chair and standing up. I could barely contain my excitement; the thought of holding the ring in my hand made me feel giddy.

"Good." Winston chuckled, clearly amused by how eager I sounded.

I paused, raising a brow even though he couldn't see me. "Why didn't you just come up to my office to tell me? Was that elevator ride too daunting?" I teased.

There was a beat of silence, and then Winston replied bluntly, "I'm lazy, and I didn't want to face the agony of that long elevator ride."

I burst out laughing. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"That's why you love me." he said with a grin in his voice.

I shook my head, still laughing as I hung up the phone. Winston always knew how to make me laugh, but right now, all I could think about was the ring. Marilyn's engagement ring. I could hardly believe I was about to ask her to marry me.

I quickly gathered my things and made my way to the elevator. The ride down felt longer than usual, like time had slowed down just to mess with me. My leg bounced with nervous energy as I thought about how Marilyn would react. I wanted everything to be perfect for her.

When the elevator doors finally slid open, I walked over to Winston's workstation. He was grinning from ear to ear, looking as smug as ever.

"There she is." he said, standing up and handing me a sleek, expensive-looking black ring box. He watched me like a proud artist waiting for someone to admire his masterpiece.

My hands trembled a little as I flipped the box open, revealing the ring inside. There it was. The engagement ring I had envisioned for Marilyn, perfectly crafted. It was gold, with a stunning, large diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds that added to its brilliance. The design was classic, yet elegant, exactly Marilyn's style. It would suit her perfectly, the kind of ring that would look breathtaking on her finger.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Winston... it's perfect."

He grinned wider. "I told you it'd be the most beautiful thing I've ever made. For thee Marilyn D'Angelo, only the best."

I couldn't help but laugh at how proud he sounded. "You really did an amazing job. It's everything I wanted and more." I stepped forward and pulled him into a quick hug. "Thank you."

He chuckled, patting my back. "It was my pleasure, Sevan. I can't wait to see her reaction when you propose."

I smirked at him as I pulled back. "Neither can I."

Winston winked. "Now don't go crying when she says yes, alright?"

I rolled my eyes, but the smile on my face didn't waver. "I'll try not to." I carefully put the ring box into the pocket of my slacks, making sure it was safe. Just having it on me made everything feel real. Soon, I'd be asking Marilyn to be my wife.

• • •

I parked my Audi in the exclusive lot of Deluxe, a high-end restaurant nestled in the heart of New York City. Only the richest of the rich could get into a place like this, and tonight, I had one goal: to secure the entire venue for my proposal to Marilyn.