Beneath the Diamond Ring

Lily’s POV

Tonight, my heart feels hollow. I’m dressed in a gown made by one of the finest designers. Around my neck rests a blue diamond necklace, a gift from Ashton’s grandmother for our engagement. I’m supposed to be happy. Ashton has prepared a lavish engagement celebration. Not only are his relatives and colleagues invited, but also journalists who’ll be covering our story. Yet something inside holds me back from even smiling. All of this feels fake, and I have no idea what hidden agenda Ashton might be keeping from me.

Ashton takes my hand and leads me to the center of the hall. Being the center of attention is something I’ve never enjoyed. I feel uneasy, especially with so many eyes fixed on us, curious to see who Ashton’s fiancée really is. Mrs. Williams and Kelly glare at me the way they always do, with cold, resentful eyes. Sometimes, they deliberately turn away.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here on this special night. Thank you to my mother and my sister for their support. And to my grandmother, who can’t be here tonight because of her health. And to Lily...”

Ashton clasps my hand and looks at me. He smiles this time, not his usual intimidating smile. This one is gentle, warm. Maybe this engagement is fake, but still, something stirs inside me. A quiet thunder beneath my ribs.

"Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for being part of my journey. And tonight, I want you to be the ending to all the stories I’ve ever written. I want us to love today, tomorrow, and for always.”

I give him a faint smile. I have to admit, he’s a remarkable actor. His words pierce right through my last wall of defense. Even when I know those pretty words are nothing but a mirage.

Someone brings a small box. Ashton takes it and opens it slowly. He pulls out a ring. He looks at me again, saying nothing. Then, he takes my hand and slips the ring onto my finger.

It fits perfectly—like a scene from a fairy tale. The crowd bursts into applause and well-wishes.

Ashton leans in close. My heart races, but I stay alert. Is he going to complete his performance with a kiss?

He brushes his lips gently against my cheek.

“I love you, my fiancée,” he whispers softly.

I freeze. I must admit, his performance is flawless.

Anyone watching how he treats me would never guess this engagement is just an act.

The music shifts to a slow melody played on harps. It’s time to dance. We move together under the gaze of the guests. Other couples begin to join us. This is my first dance. The air is thick with awkwardness. I feel hypnotized by his handsome face. There’s a light in his eyes that refuses to dim. He pulls me closer by the waist. I wrap my arms around his neck. Why does this feel so... safe? No, I can’t fall for him. He’s only being sweet to protect his image.

After the engagement party, Ashton allows a few reporters to interview us. I grow more anxious. This is the first time I’ve been under this kind of spotlight. Will my face be on TV after this?

“Hello, Miss Lily, where are you from?” one reporter asks.

“I’m from Kansas,” I answer calmly.

“How did you two meet?” another follows up.

“We met at the flower shop where she worked, in Kansas,” Ashton answers for me.

“There are rumors that your relationship is disapproved of by Ashton’s mother and sister. Is that true?”

“If they disapproved, they wouldn’t be here tonight,” Ashton responds smoothly.

As expected, the press seems more interested in controversy.

Question after question is thrown our way. I feel exhausted and want it all to end. I just want to return to my room. Being around so many people drains every bit of energy I have.

Back in my room after the party, I remove my makeup, change out of my dress, and lay down on my bed. I take a deep breath. I lift my hand and stare at the ring on my finger.

I glance at the phone Ashton recently gave me. But I can’t use it freely. There’s some sort of tracker or surveillance built in—I’m not quite sure what it is, but Ashton warned me to use it wisely. He’s afraid I’ll use it to plan an escape. But I’m not going to run. I’ve come this far.

Sure enough, our engagement becomes front-page news, with headlines varying from dramatic to fantastical.

A billionaire engaged to an ordinary girl... or Modern-day Cinderella: A billionaire and a flower shop girl.

A knock echoes from the door. I glance toward it. Maybe it’s Ashton.

“Yes, who is it?”

“It’s Ashton.”

I walk over and open the door. He’s standing there, expressionless. He steps inside without asking.

“What is it now?” I fold my arms.

He sits at the edge of my bed without invitation.

“Tomorrow, we’re going to see Agatha Wilson, the designer. I want your wedding dress to be unlike any other.”

I stay quiet for a moment, standing while he remains seated.

“After we’re married, then what?”

He exhales.

“You don’t need to know. Just know you’ll be safe, and I won’t…”

“Won’t what?” I ask calmly.

“Touch you…” he replies shortly.

“Good. I don’t want to carry your child,” I respond.

We both freeze. I grow nervous under his intense gaze as it travels slowly over me. Just as I turn to walk away, Ashton grabs my wrist and pulls me toward him. I fall against his chest. Now he’s lying down, and I’m on top of him. Our eyes lock again. I admit, he’s impossibly attractive. But I must stay cautious.

In a flash, he shifts our positions. Now I’m beneath him. My heart races wildly. Maybe he feels it too.

“Sex doesn’t always lead to pregnancy,” he says. “Not if you’re careful. You understand that, don’t you?”

I pause, searching for the right words.

“You said you wouldn’t touch me. I’m simply responding to that. It’s the best way I won’t get pregnant.”

He looks at me sharply. His breath brushes against my face, and I can’t say a word. Does he know how wildly my heart is beating?

He touches my cheek. His fingers wander from my cheek to my jaw, down my neck. He’s about to go further, but he stops.

“What if I want to touch you?” he whispers into my ear, voice low and teasing.

I’m breathless.

“I... I want to stay virgin until wedding night…”

Ashton smiles.

“Of course. I won’t touch you now…”

The smile fades. His face turns cold again.

“I won’t touch you. Don’t expect anything more.

Our marriage will be nothing more than a contract.”

He gets up. I sit up slowly, still dazed. Ashton is impossible to read. Sometimes kind, sometimes cold and arrogant.

He leaves my room without another word. I remain still, trying to calm the storm inside me. I won’t fall for him. I won’t let myself be crushed by him.