CHAPTER 38

Dylan had been staring at it for about thirty minutes without moving an inch.

"Mr. Dark, you seem to like this one?" asked the familiar old man, and he snapped back.

"What exactly did you say? Sorry for not paying attention."

"I can tell you. Who is the lucky lady?"

"She's a woman I love. Is this the only ring you have?”

"It's a one-of-a-kind piece made of five different gemstones and one pricey metal."

"It's obvious."

"Would you like me to wrap it up for you?"

"It's complicated right now, but if it's possible, I wouldn't mind if you saved it for me."

"If it's for you, I can make a deal and have the size changed."

"Why are you going to change the size?"

"Violet has small fingers; if you just take it as is, it will be too big for her."

"How did you find out?"

"I'd be a fool not to notice, Mr. Dark. Remember when you bought that set the last time? I recognized it the next day when I saw Violet wearing it. Regardless of what the majority thinks of her, she appears to be a good woman."

"Do you believe that?"

"Yes, so treat her well, and don't worry, I'll keep it safe for you."

"Many thanks, sir," he said.

“Dylan! I'm glad I found you. I've been looking for you everywhere," Laura explained.

"What exactly are you doing here?"

"I need your advice on something. Let's get started."

"Sure," he said, following her.

He followed her out of the store and straight into another. Laura reportedly wanted his assistance with a few dresses for the royal birthday party. He assisted her in selecting a few dresses, and they were finished.

"How is your stay at the mansion going?"

"I really enjoy it there."

"Does it have anything to do with the fact that you see her all the time?"

"I suppose that's the reason. Anyway, let's go meet the boys. Let's have some fun today; after all, we're leaving tomorrow."

He called Violet and told her he was going to be late returning to the mansion, but she told him he didn't have to and that he could sleep over at a friend's house instead. He agreed, but he could tell from her voice that something was wrong, and she was trying to hide it. One thing he was told not to do was ask her when she was like that.

"Is everything all right?"

“I don't think so, but I am not supposed to go back there tonight.”

“Why?”

"She didn't say anything about maybe I should go."

"When a woman like her says something like that, I think it's best to just listen. Dylan, she has secrets as well, and when she is ready, she will let you in."

"I hope so because I'm worried and it's driving me insane."

"Let us drink and forget about it all."

"I wish it could be that simple," Dylan sighed.

"Speaking of which, when I arrived, you were staring at that ring. Do you intend to propose?"

"The thought crossed my mind, but I can't afford it right now due to my financial situation."

"We can assist you in realizing your dream. After all, this is the first time you've been seriously interested in someone since we met," Taylor stated

"Isn't it a little early? It's only been a month since you started seeing each other," Sam worriedly asked.

"It's not as if you haven't seen them together before. You need to make that woman yours before it's too late," Laura added.

"From the way you're speaking, it appears you're interested."

"How come I can't be? She's perfect for a girl like me. Imagine what men could do back then."

"All right, all right! Stop saying things like that. Dylan has a weak heart," Taylor joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

"You're having a great time, aren't you?"

"I'm sorry, man," Taylor apologized before attacking him, "I forgot to deliver a message from Violet to you."

“A message from Violet?”

“Yes. She said if you break Anne's heart, she will slowly and painfully kill you," Dylan smirked.

"Oh boy, you're in big trouble," Laura said, laughing at Taylor.

"Are you and Anne? What are you up to, man?"

"I'm not sure, guys. There's something about her that I can't get enough of."

"If you're serious about her, that's fine, but if you're not, Violet, when it comes to her family, you don't want to mess around with her."

"Don't frighten Taylor away, man."

"You'd be shocked if I told you how much I suffered at the hands of that woman, but I still love her, which is why I won't leave her. I'm afraid she'll kill you if she says she'll do it.”

"You'd be shocked if I told you how much I suffered at the hands of that woman, but I still love her, which is why I won't leave her. If she says she'll kill you, I'm afraid she'll do just that, so tread carefully."

"I can't believe it," Taylor exclaimed.

"Don't worry, as you may have noticed, she is a cheerful woman, so just don't break her heart."

"I'll be cautious. I appreciate you scaring me away."

"You're very welcome, dude."

"All right, guys. Let us forget about these terrifying things and have a good time. Did you pack your belongings and secure your passports?" Laura inquired.

"I will do that later, there are still a few hours left," Sam replied.

They started talking about their weekend, and Laura was the most excited of them all.

He had no idea what to make of women and travel. He just wished that the night would pass quickly and that he could see the love of his life and embrace her and tell her that everything would be fine.

What was it that was bothering her this time? Damn! He was just so curious and anxious that it was driving him insane, but there was nothing he could do about it.

***
She hadn't hit anyone like that in years. He was fortunate in that he confessed everything, even though she was uninterested in anything he said. She left the warehouse after cleaning herself up and allowing the driver to drive her to her parents' house.