Blake didn’t return Skylar’s friendliness. He replied curtly, “No need,” while keeping a watchful eye on her and positioning himself protectively in front of Bianca.
Bianca tried to lean forward, but Blake held her firmly, and she decided not to resist in public.
Skylar noticed Blake’s protective stance and seemed to understand. She smiled and said, “You have great potential, Blake. Keep up the hard work, and I’m sure you’ll see even better results in the second episode. I won’t be participating in that episode, though. Next week is my engagement ceremony. Would you and Bianca like to attend as my special guests?”
Blake frowned. Was this woman really about to get engaged? What did that mean for her relationship with Dave? Had he been wrong about everything?
“Why did you step down from being a judge? You’re having an engagement party next Tuesday. Doesn’t that clash with your TV show schedule?” Bianca asked, clearly confused.
Skylar smiled shyly, lowering her head a little. “My fiance doesn’t like the spotlight. I promised him I’d focus on being a housewife once we’re engaged.”
Seeing Skylar’s joyful expression, Bianca couldn’t help but ask, “You must be a real catch. The guy who convinced you to marry him must be something special. I can’t wait to meet him.”
Skylar smiled mysteriously. “You’ll find out when the time is right.”
Blake couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more behind Skylar’s smile. He couldn’t stop watching her, but Bianca quickly found a way to pull his attention away, giving them a chance to leave.
As they walked into a jewelry store, Bianca, now beside Skylar, asked, “Miss Larson, why isn’t your fiance here to pick out the ring with you?”
From what Skylar had shared, it seemed like they were a couple deeply in love. Wouldn’t they want to experience this moment together?
Skylar answered calmly, “He’s busy with work and hardly ever gets a break. I’m perfectly fine handling some things on my own.”
Bianca couldn’t help but admire Skylar’s independence and how she cared for her partner. It was such a refreshing change from the usual jealous, clingy girlfriend.
Bianca’s curiosity was piqued even more. What kind of powerful man could convince such a woman to leave her career behind and commit herself to a life at home?
Bianca casually asked Skylar about her preferences as they admired the different ring designs.
Noticing the ruby necklace Bianca wore, Skylar commented, “I really like the design of your diamond. By the way, did you check it on the official website? What did you find out?”
Bianca gently touched the necklace and smiled softly. “I did check it. My boyfriend mentioned he got me a copy from someone. It’s not the real one. He’s just an ordinary guy, not someone who would spend that much on something so fancy.”
Skylar, amused by Dave’s little trick but still composed, asked, “How long have you and your boyfriend been together? Do you have any wedding plans?”
The mention of marriage made Bianca’s mood dim. Everything depended on Dave’s readiness, but she was open to it whenever he was.
“We’re still deciding. We’ll see what happens,” Bianca replied.
With her usual warm smile, Skylar suggested, “In the end, we all get married. Why not take this chance to pick out your engagement ring? When your boyfriend arrives, he can buy it and put it on your finger himself.”
Bianca’s cheeks flushed at the thought, her eyes drifting to a nearby display. A particular ring caught her eye.
It was designed like a small crown, with tiny red diamonds surrounding a large, brilliantly cut silver diamond at the center, giving off an air of noble elegance.
Skylar noticed Bianca’s interest and signaled the sales associate to bring the ring over.
The salesperson, wearing pristine white gloves, placed the ring box on the table. “Miss, you have excellent taste. This is the ‘Heart of True Love.’ It features a round diamond in the center, surrounded by a halo of red diamonds. The total weight is about two carats, symbolizing eternal love. It’s perfect for engagements or weddings.”
“Would you mind letting her try it on?” Skylar asked politely.
The salesperson quickly slipped the ring onto Bianca’s finger.
It seemed as though the ring had been made just for her. It fit perfectly, and the contrast between the red and white diamonds accentuated her slender, long fingers, adding to their elegance.
Mesmerized, Bianca couldn’t help but admire the ring on her finger, gently caressing it. Skylar, standing behind her, lightly held Bianca’s hand and noticed a faint love mark on her neck, barely visible beneath her flowing hair.
Skylar’s expression shifted, her heart tightening as she contemplated the sight.
“Miss Larson?” Bianca’s voice broke through Skylar’s thoughts. Still holding Bianca’s hand, Skylar forced a smile. “This piece is stunning, and it looks wonderful on you! Do you like it?”
Bianca nodded almost automatically. Skylar asked about the price, and the salesperson revealed the promotion price of exactly 100, 000 dollars.
Bianca’s hand trembled slightly, stunned by the price.
Dave worked so hard, and buying this ring would almost wipe out his savings. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all…
After a moment of hesitation, Bianca gently removed the ring and handed it back to the salesperson. “I’m sorry; I think I’ll keep looking.”
Skylar watched her closely, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “It’s rare to find a ring that truly speaks to you. If you don’t take it now, it might be gone later, and you might regret not getting it.”
Bianca looked at the diamond ring over and over. It was exactly what she wanted, but she decided to take it off and put it back in its box.
She sighed and said, “I guess it’s just not meant to be. Besides, with how hard my boyfriend works, I don’t want to add any more pressure on him.”
Skylar had to hold back a laugh. Why would Bianca think such a purchase would cause Dave any trouble? His bank account wouldn’t even notice if his girlfriend bought this two-carat diamond ring. In fact, what Dave earned in a single day was more than enough to buy dozens of rings like it.
Skylar considered telling Bianca this but just smiled and said nothing.
After browsing the store for a while, Skylar couldn’t find the right ring, so she left with Bianca.
As they walked out, Skylar softly apologized to Bianca, “I’m really sorry for not buying anything, Bianca. I feel like I wasted your whole afternoon.”