0 (0)
Chapter 6
Julian’s expression grew even darker.[]
“Say another word and I swear I’ll break your legs.“]]
I stepped forward, gently grasping Julian’s arm, and spoke calmly.[]
“Henry, I’m not getting revenge on you. I’m just now realizing that Julian is the man who takes responsibility and keeps his promises. Marrying him, I believe I’ll be happy.”
Julian’s fury instantly melted away, replaced by shocked joy.[]
“Vivian, do you really mean that?”
I nodded, smiling as I reached up to straighten his tie.]]
“Julian, what were you holding earlier? Was it a gift you prepared for me?“]
Julian suddenly remembered and tossed the rod aside.
“I was so angry I almost forgot. Vivian, I went out and picked some jewelry–let’s see if you like any of it.“]]
“I brought the jewelry store managers with me. Pick whatever you want.”
He opened a velvet–lined case, revealing a dazzling array of jewelry: a massive pink diamond, pearls with moonlike luster, an exquisite jade bracelet, and a complete set of diamond necklaces…
My eyes widened. Julian was looking at me like I was destined to be Wall Street’s first lady–the kind of woman who walks into galas wearing diamonds that could finance a small country.]]
Envy flashed through Sekar’s eyes, quickly morphing into jealousy.
“Please. Little trinkets like these belong in the storage trunks in my family’s palace attic.” She sneered, trying to sound unimpressed.]]
Julian mistook my silence for dislike and immediately straightened up.]
“Everyone come in!”
Seconds later, six men in suits walked in, each followed by luxury sales assistants carrying velvet trays.
The first jewelry store manager approached me with reverence.
“Miss Vivian, this piece is our crown jewel–‘Eternal Grace,‘ handcrafted by the renowned European master Monroe.”
Another quickly followed up: “This necklace, Miss Vivian, was purchased at the Geneva Royal Auction for $18.88 million. It perfectly suits your elegant temperament.”
Each manager stepped forward to
howcase
their finest pieces.
Julian stood beside me, waiting for my reaction.[]
I raised an eyebrow.
ཐོ་ཇ་བ་ཟ༐ ཇ ོ
Julian–on our first day together, he was already this extravagant. If this continued, I’d wake up to find a Cartier installation in our walk–in closet.
Julian suddenly waved his hand.
“Keep them all. When you have even more precious jewelry, bring those too. For now, let my wife enjoy these.”
I quickly raised both hands in protest.
“Julian, we really don’t need this much.”
Afraid he’d misunderstand, I pointed to the auction necklace.
“I like this one. Have them return the rest.“]
Disappointment flickered in the managers‘ eyes.[]
“Mrs. Carter, won’t you reconsider? This diamond has the highest clarity grade in the country.“]
“Look at this ring—an extremely rare pink diamond. There are only a handful like it nationwide. It complements your skin tone beautifully.“[]
I noticed Sekar staring with obvious resentment and jealousy, which gave me a new idea.
I smiled and turned to the managers, saying loudly:[]
“Show them to Miss Sekar instead. She’s an Indonesian princess, royalty–Henry’s future wife. I’m sure her taste is much more refined than mine.“]]
Hearing this, the jewelers perked up enthusiastically, carrying their trays to Sekar.]]
I looked at Henry and added loudly:]
“Mr. Henry, since you’re marrying a princess, shouldn’t you give her something worthy of her title?“]
“Otherwise, people might think you’re trying to deceive a royal family member without offering anything in return, which could damage the Carter family’s reputation.”
Excitement bloomed on Sekar’s face as her gaze fell on Henry.]]
Under Sekar’s expectant stare, Henry said reluctantly:
“Sekar… pick what you like. These will be my gifts to you.“]
The moment Henry finished speaking, Sekar rushed forward, trying on piece after piece.
She excitedly asked Henry:
“Darling, this one sparkles! I love it!”
“Oh! And this one–it’s amazing. I love this too!“]
She moved among the jewelry, unable to contain her excitement.]
Watching her greedy display, I snorted with disdain.[]
This was royalty? Dizzy with excitement over a few shiny stones? No dignity, no grace–just naked greed. A real princess would never behave like a bargain hunter at a department store.
