None of the other rings measured up when compared to the one Elara was holding.
The sales associate glanced at me, visibly uncertain of how to proceed. Elara, however, acted as if she hadn't noticed and ultimately chose a rather plain ring.
"Serafina, let's settle for this one for now. It'll work for the ceremony. I'll design a better one for you later," she said.
The sales associate, clearly uncomfortable, awkwardly praised Elara for her "exceptional" taste.
Elara, with a hint of pride, thrust her hand in front of me. "It has to be beautiful. It's custom-designed by my blood-promised."
Ansel stood quietly beside her, watching her flaunt the ring without stopping her or showing any sign of discomfort. His smile, however, seemed to bloom with the spring breeze.
"Then we'll go with the one Elara picked!" he said.
Skipping even the try-on process, Ansel paid for the ring immediately. He took out the ring and, with a blank expression, slid it onto my finger.
There was no kneeling, no roses, no declaration.
This time, the ring was small, barely fitting.