Golden Melody

Chapter 8.3

Third person POV

(Year 1983)

Zaren traced the outline of the ruby with his thumb, a grin spreading across his face as he imagined Cennia's reaction.

He could almost see her eyes widen in surprise, then light up with joy.

"50 million for the ruby stone ring-"

He didn't let the man finish. Desperate to get the ring for his beloved girlfriend, he raised his hand and bid.

"105 million."

The people inside the auction were shocked and murmured.
No one else wanted to raise the bid.
In the end, he got the ring for 100 million.

"You're a madman, Zaren! You spent all your casino winnings on one ring!"
His friend, Rikzen, said to him, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

"It's not enough for Cennia. I want to give her the best of the best."

Zaren's eyes shone with love as he thought about Cennia's face.

"Rikz, I'll go ahead. Wish me luck. I'm going to propose to Cennia later."

Rickzen's eyes narrowed, a flash of jealousy crossing his face.
He knew Zaren was head over heels for Cennia, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

"Good luck, man," he said, his voice flat.

Zaren left and took care of their date at a European restaurant.
He called his girlfriend to let her know they had a date.

"Mahal, I'll pick you up at 3:30pm. Hmm, I love you."

"Oh sure, mahal. I love you too."

When the agreed time came, he waited in the living room of the woman's mansion.

He could barely close his mouth because of her beauty.
When she came down the stairs, he went to her and took her right hand and kissed it.

"You're so beautiful."

His girlfriend smiled sweetly.
He helped her get into his car and they happily chatted on their way to the restaurant.

When they arrived, the waitress assisted them to their reserved seats on the second floor, on the rooftop.

There was only one table and two chairs, with lights and violin music playing.
He sat his girlfriend down, then sat down himself.

The food was served one by one until they finished their dessert. The music stopped and he knelt in front of her.
She covered her mouth, her eyes widening in surprise.
It seemed like she knew why her boyfriend was kneeling.

He reached into his pocket and produced a small red box, its velvet lining worn smooth from countless touches.

With trembling fingers, he lifted the lid, revealing a jewel that seemed to pulse with inner fire.

The ruby, the size of a pigeon's egg, glowed like a miniature sun, its facets catching the light and scattering a thousand tiny rainbows across the room.
The air itself seemed to shimmer with its brilliance.

"Cennia, will you marry me?"

Cennia's eyes welled up, and a shaky smile touched her lips. "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes, Zaren, I will."

she slipped the ring happily onto her finger.
It fits perfectly. He hugged his girlfriend- fiance and kissed her briefly.
He held her cheeks.

"Thank you Cennia, thank you!!! I'm the happiest man in the world wooooo!!!!"
And he kissed her again.

The Wedding Day