Death of a Bachelor (COMPLETED)

#45 Not a chance

"Is he going to propose to someone?" the young woman whispered, leaning slightly over the counter to get a better look. Her eyes followed Lewis Hamilton as he stood just a few feet away, his attention fixed on the display of engagement rings.

Their manager stood beside him, pointing out various designs with a soft, professional tone, explaining the story behind each cut of the diamond, the type of metal, the rarity of the gemstones. Some of the rings shimmered with intricate details, while others were simpler but no less beautiful.

Her colleague, who had just finished organizing a nearby glass shelf, paused and glanced over. She smiled knowingly, folding her arms. "Maybe" she replied with a shrug. "He's been standing there for quite a while, just staring at those rings like he's searching for the one. Not just any ring-but the perfect one."

The young woman tilted her head, her expression softening as she watched him. "Well" she said with a smile, "Whoever she is, she's really lucky. He's not just picking something pretty. He's putting his whole heart into this."

"But..." the colleague hesitated. "He looks empty, doesn't he? Not sad exactly, just... distant. Like his body's here, but his mind isn't."

"What do you mean?" the other asked, frowning slightly.

"He looks hesitant. Like something's bothering him. You'd think a man buying a ring for the woman he loves would look excited, not lost."

Just then, the manager lifted a new tray lined with velvet and filled with fresh options. She turned toward Lewis and gently asked, "What do you think about this, Sir Hamilton?"

Her voice was polite and professional as she held out a velvet tray filled with a selection of rings. Some were simple-delicate bands with minimal design-while others were more elaborate, sparkling with elegant details, tiny diamonds, and rare gemstones.

Lewis raised his eye brows staring at the different kind of rings in front of him. The diamonds and gemstones caught the light in a way that made them seem almost unreal-each one beautiful and elegant.

But even as he looked, his mind wasn't fully there.

He exhaled slowly, pressing his hand to his mouth for a moment as if it could help him focus. Then he shook his head-not in disappointment with the rings, but with himself. There was a storm of thoughts circling in his mind, pulling his attention away from the moment he was supposed to be fully present for.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his two bodyguards standing quietly nearby. When he glanced at them, they quickly looked away, respectful of his space-but Lewis knew they'd noticed his unease.

He was supposed to be excited about this-choosing a ring wasn't just about the jewelry, it was a symbol of love, of commitment, of the life he wanted to build with Simone. But instead, his mind was stuck somewhere else.

The saleslady's voice gently interrupted his thoughts.

"Would you like me to bring out a few more styles?"

Her words were soft, her expression understanding. She could sense his hesitation.

Lewis blinked and looked up, as if coming out of a fog. He gave a small nod, trying to shake off the thoughts that clung to him like static.

"Yes, please" Lewis replied, his voice softer and more subdued than usual. There was a gentleness in his tone that surprised even himself. "Maybe something...softer and simple. Romantic. But still elegant."

The manager gave a polite nod, offering him a warm, understanding smile. "Of course, sir. I'll bring out a few more options that match what you're looking for."