I stood there, gazing at the horizon as the sky slowly shifted toward dusk. There was something calming about the reddish hue that spread across the sky. The blue gradually faded into shades of gray, purple, and a beautiful orange-red. It felt like the sky was trying to teach me something: that beauty and kindness don’t need to be announced—they should simply be felt, observed, and appreciated. Life has taught me that people often crave attention just to be seen as good, but after everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned that if your intentions are pure, you don’t need to prove anything. Just let others see for themselves.

“El...? What are you staring at? You look super serious.”
Sebastian’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Two hours ago, he’d called to offer me a ride home. After wrapping up things with Sarah, I’d already planned to head home—I couldn't wait to interrogate Amelie.

“Oh, it’s just... the sky. It looks so beautiful right now. I couldn’t take my eyes off it.”
I replied with a smile, and he glanced out for a second before turning back to the road.

“Yeah, you’re right. It really is stunning.” He smiled back at me.

“So, where were you today?” I asked, curious about what he’d been up to.

“Hmm... pretty much the same as yesterday. I stopped by the office for a bit, then headed to meet a friend who promised to help me find Sylvia.”
Sebastian explained, his voice always so calm and easy to listen to.

It hit me then—only a few days into our marriage, and thanks to Amelie’s stories—I realized Sebastian was actually a successful businessman. Quietly and without much fanfare, he owned several highly successful small companies and had joint ventures with others. One of them was the wedding gallery where I’d been made over for our ceremony.

“Wow, you must be really tired... going to all those places. You didn’t have to go out of your way to pick me up, you know.”

“That’s exactly *why* I wanted to pick you up, El.” He smiled. “Yeah, I’m tired, but seeing you just melts all that away.”

I laughed, amused by his cheesy line.

“What? Why are you laughing? I’m serious—you just erase all the fatigue.”

“Oh please, now you’re just being sweet and flirty again. You’re gonna make me blush.”

He laughed too. “Well, I *am* flirting with my wife. That’s totally allowed, isn’t it?”

I couldn't help but feel giddy just watching him drive. Honestly, I felt the same. I could never get tired of staring at Sebastian’s handsome face. Sometimes, it felt like I was living in a dream. I still couldn’t believe I’d actually married this man.

“Oh, by the way... I have a surprise for you,”
His voice snapped me out of my thoughts again. “Check the box on the middle seat.” He glanced at me briefly.

I blinked, trying to process his words. Another surprise? I quickly turned to look at the middle seat and spotted a small gift-wrapped box. It was covered in gold wrapping paper with a silver ribbon. What could it be? I picked it up gently and placed it on my lap.

“Can I open it now?” I asked, giving him my best puppy eyes.

“Hmm, someone’s impatient,” he chuckled. “Alright, go ahead—open it.”

Excited, I carefully tore open the golden wrapping paper. Inside was a medium-sized box. I opened it and froze.

“What’s this?” I stared at the still-closed box on my lap.

“Well, open it and find out! Weren’t you just dying of curiosity?” Sebastian teased. Judging from the look on his face, this had to be something... unexpected. Don’t tell me he bought me more lingerie? My mind started to spiral with all kinds of wild guesses.

“Why’d you stop? What’s wrong?” he asked, slightly confused.

“Um... this isn’t lingerie again, is it?” I gave him a skeptical look.

He burst out laughing. “El, seriously? You *want* me to buy you more lingerie? I mean, I will—but no, that’s not what’s in the box.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. Embarrassment hit me like a truck.

“Come on, just open it already. Stop guessing like it’s some mystery game.”

Taking a deep breath, I lifted the lid of the box. And when I saw what was inside, I was speechless.

“El? What’s wrong? You don’t like the surprise?”
Sebastian sounded a little worried. I quickly shook my head, trying to hold back the emotion welling up in my chest.

“Try it on,” he said softly.

Inside the box were two different items—but both had the same effect on me: they made me feel like the happiest woman in the world.

I took out a small jewelry case containing two beautiful rings. They sparkled with a bright, brilliant shine.

“It’s not gold, but I hope you like my choice,” Sebastian said.
I understood what he meant. As I picked up one of the rings, I marveled at how the brilliant white metal paired perfectly with the dazzling diamond. Not gold, but palladium—stunning and elegant.

“Put mine on, will you?” he asked sweetly.

I took the slightly larger ring and slipped it onto his finger. He glanced down at it while still keeping an eye on the road.

“Now yours,” he said, looking at me warmly.

I removed the second ring and slid it onto my finger. It fit perfectly.

“It’s beautiful. I love it. Thank you.” I was truly touched by this unexpected gift.

“Is it your style?” he asked with a hopeful smile.

“I absolutely love it! It’s gorgeous!” I smiled at him, and his face lit up with joy.

“Thank God. I was afraid the design wasn’t going to be your taste.”

“Anything you pick for me, I’ll love.” I said it without hesitation.

“Whoa, look who’s getting smooth with the compliments,” he teased, grinning at me.
“There’s one more surprise in there though—you haven’t taken it out yet.” He pointed at the box still on my lap.

“What? There’s more?” I peeked back inside.

“Yup. And this one’s the most important part, El.”
He said it seriously, his eyes locked on mine.

The most important one? Now I was really curious. What could it be?

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