Affectionate
"Choose whatever you like, it's fine. I'm not sure what to pick," Alisha replied in a panic, suddenly unsure why he was so interested in her decision.
With no experience wearing jewellery, Alisha found herself overwhelmed by the beautiful yet expensive rings adorned with dazzling stones. Even if she tried to base her choice on aesthetics alone, the numerous price tags made it impossible.
The extravagant display was beyond Alisha's usual means, and the idea of choosing something so expensive filled her with guilt. She couldn't fathom selecting such lavish items when the money wasn't hers to spend, and she'd never indulge in such luxuries on her own.
"Just pick one, sweetheart. It's simple – whatever catches your eye, we'll go with that," Alice reassured her.
“They all look like pleasing rocks,” Alisha answered.
"They're not just rocks, ma'am. They're diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones," the saleswoman interjected, her expression reflecting confusion.
Both Alisha and the saleswoman were taken aback by the situation. Alice Sharma, the youngest billionaire, selected rings for himself without any prior news of his marriage – it was shocking and bewildering to them both.
The saleswoman's confusion was palpable as she tried to comprehend why Alisha referred to the exquisite gems as mere rocks. It was equally perplexing to her that Alice Sharma, a billionaire known for his high-profile lifestyle, was here choosing rings with no announcement of marriage.
"If she called them rocks, then they're rocks, got it?" Alice snapped angrily, glaring at the saleswoman as if he were personally offended by her attempt to correct Alisha.
His frustration was evident, fueled by his disdain for anyone daring to make his partner appear foolish.
Alisha, with her innocence, may not be well-versed in many things, but that didn't give anyone the right to belittle her. Alice was determined to protect her from any embarrassment.
“I am sorry sir,”the saleswoman quickly apologised, sensing the tension radiating from Alice's stern expression.
As Alisha hesitated, Alice offered her an encouraging smile. "Take your time, Alisha. There's no rush," he said gently, his demeanour soothing amidst the tension.
"You better believe it," Alice stated arrogantly, his tone firm.
Alisha felt a mix of relief and embarrassment as Alice sided with her, albeit with a touch of arrogance. She knew the gems weren't just stones; they were diamonds or rubies. Yet, in her eyes, they all resemble small, shiny stones. She couldn't help feeling guilty that the saleswoman had faced Alice's wrath because of her misunderstanding.
Sighing, Alisha gazed at the rings, their prices blinding her. She couldn't help but imagine the exorbitant cost of the dresses that would complement these luxurious rings.
"What's on your mind, sweetheart? Choose something that matches either your white wedding gown or your red party dress," Alice attempted to ease her dilemma.
"Red party dress? But it was white too," Alisha interjected, puzzled.
"You didn't notice? The back of your party dress was all red," Alice replied, his focus on the stunning red backside of the dress.
From Alisha's perspective, the dress appears white because that's what she saw from the front. However, for Alice, the dominant colour was red, as that's what caught his attention from behind.
"Oh! I didn't see the back," Alisha admitted, nodding in understanding.
At the time, she had simply wanted a dress that met Alice's approval, not realising she hadn't seen the back in the mirror.
"Now that you know, maybe opt for something white since it's the most fitting colour for both weddings and parties. After all, red is just a small part of your party dress, and both your gowns should predominantly be white," Alice suggested, offering practical advice.
Alisha nodded. "You're right. White does seem more fitting for both occasions," she agreed, grateful for his guidance.
As she continued perusing the selection of rings, Alice's words lingered in her thoughts. She concentrated on finding a ring that would complement the grace of her envisioned white gown.
"I'm not really drawn to any of them. They all seem a bit too extravagant," Alisha finally voiced her uncertainty, struggling to find the perfect match.
Though each ring exuded beauty and elegance, Alisha couldn't shake the feeling of their overwhelming expense. Despite her efforts to rationalise – reminding herself it wasn't her money, or that Alice wanted her to select one – she found herself unable to commit.
"Ma'am, do you have a particular style in mind? We can present options based on your preferences," the salesman politely offered.
Alice's gaze narrowed with jealousy as he observed the salesman interacting with Alisha. He couldn't help but resent the intrusion.
"Did she ask for your input?" Alice's tone bristled with hostility, his anger barely contained.
Both the salesman and the woman exchanged confused glances, unsure of what had incited Alice's sudden outburst.
Quickly, the salesman apologised, sensing Alice's displeasure. "I am sorry, sir.”
Alice's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he watched the salesman's apologetic demeanour. He couldn't shake the feeling of possessiveness over Alisha, especially when it came to others intruding on their moment.
With a tight nod, Alice's demeanour softened slightly, though the tension still lingered in the air. "See that it doesn't happen again," he warned, his voice stern.
The salesman, eager to diffuse the situation, nodded vigorously. "Of course, sir. I apologise once more," he reiterated, shooting a glance at his colleague, who mirrored his contrition.
Alisha, sensing the tension, offered a small smile in an attempt to ease the atmosphere. "It's okay, Alice. Let's just focus on finding the perfect ring," she suggested, her voice gentle.
She wasn't sure if she could calm him down, but she dreaded witnessing his angry outburst, reminiscent of their office encounters.
She also didn't want to convey her pity towards the salesman, knowing it would only escalate the situation.
Instead, she maintained her gaze on Alice, hoping he'd notice her attempt to ease the situation.
Alice's gaze softened as he returned her smile, his protective instincts momentarily overshadowed by her beautiful innocent eyes. "You're right, my love. Let's find something that speaks to you," he agreed, his tone gentler as he reached for her hand.
‘Love?’ Alisha whispered to herself, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the endearment.
While he often used affectionate terms with her, "love" felt like a significant one that caught her off guard.