RINGS

They reached the restaurant. The manager of the restaurant greeted both of them with flower bouquets. They followed him. He stopped near a well-decorated table.

This one Mr Leonardo. The manager waved his hand.

Thank you. Leonardo said

Leonardo took a ring box from his pocket and put it in front of Ava. Ava looked at him and raised her eyebrows.

Should I? Leonardo asked

I thought we will exchange rings at a ceremony. Ava said

At least you can try this. Leonardo said

Ava smiled and wore the ring. The ring fixed she couldn't wear off. She excused Leonardo and went to the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror and was surprised to see her face that was blushing badly. She tapped her hands and washed them with cold water. Then she put soup on the ring and wear off. Leonardo was lost in strange feelings and emotions. Ava came back and put the ring back in the box while she told him that ring was small a bit. Leonardo took the box and said that he will change the ring. He took a new box from another pocket. Ava coughed with surprise.

I am the newest at these. I don't know how …. But… Leonardo said broken words

This is so expensive. I can't accept it. Ava said

We have to present this marriage more realistic. Whatever it is so. You are going to marry Leonardo Benjamin. Leonardo stood up and raised his hand to Ava. Ava put her hand on his hand with a huge smile. Leonardo made her wear that expensive ring. She looked at Ava for a moment. Meanwhile, journalists came by following Leonardo's way to that restaurant. All of them were taking pictures. Ava stood up and stick with him. She started stammering. Leonardo made her relax. Meanwhile, the security of the restaurant came and push all of the journalists out of the restaurant to make their environment relax. Leonardo was relaxed after the visit from journalists.

I don't look like a woman they saw before. People around you may expect different standards and I don't look like your world. Even with a glance. They can easily tell that I am from another world. Ava said anxiously.

Yes, you are right. Because…. I have never been with any women before. You are the first. I agreed with your words but you are different from others. You are completely different. Do you get it? Different it that … special. You don't look like other women I know. You are completely different about everything no one has that. You are special…Leonardo said. Ava smiled with shyness.

Leonardo was known to everyone's condition. He informed Ava that engagement rings will be exchanged in front of Mrs Jasmine as she was the only older one in their family. He really respects Ava's aunt. But Sophia was in shock that how Leonardo can ask for Ava's aunt. She was a curiosity to find out the real meaning of marriage. Leonardo went to the garden. Ava followed him back.

You are not sleeping? Ava asked

No today I wanted fresh air. Be careful while in this mansion only Watson knows the reason for our wedding. Sophia is suspicious about it. But you have to be careful. Leonardo said

My aunt also knew this. Sophia tried to ask me many times about it. She is a good lady. She takes care of everyone in this mansion. Ava said

Leonardo step forward and got closer to Ava.

What is it? Ava asked

Sophia is looking at us from her balcony. Let us eliminate her suspicions and doubts. Leonardo said.

Ava was surprised when Leonardo started a romance. He gathered her hair and put it back on her shoulder. Then he settled her braids. Ava was getting blushed. Leonardo got closer to her face. He looked up at Sophia. She looked at Leonardo and went inside her room. Leonardo didn't let Ava know that Sophia was gone. He kissed Ava's cheek. After a while Ava look back there was no one on Sophia's balcony.

"But there was nobody," Ava thought. She took a deep breath and surprisingly looked at Leonardo who was lost in beauteous Ava and smiling.

We should be prepared for such things as you know we have an engagement ceremony tomorrow. Leonardo said

Okay. You are right. I am going to sleep. Good night. Ava was lost in other thoughts. So she unconsciously said and went into her room.

There was no one. Then why he kissed me? Ava rubbed her cheek and looked in the mirror. She was blushing.

"What if he fell in … Oh God? This is not possible. I am an ordinary girl. How he can feel for me like that? So silly Ava. I am getting happy without the reason" Ava said to herself looking into the mirror.

Leonardo went into his room. He was thinking about the moments of romance. He laid on the bed.

"So Leonardo Benjamin falls in love. The girl who thinks that she is ordinary doesn't know herself that is how she took my heart. Damn beauteous. Uncle Francis said right" Leonardo said to himself while staring roof. He couldn't let Ava know either. The hidden love castle was constructed in Leonardo's heart. He was feeling her from every side of the mansion.

Son, after so long you called me. Mrs Jasmine said

Mom, I have good news and a surprise for my sister. Adam said

Tell me your news first then I will tell you something. Mrs Jasmine said

I got transferred to our city. I will do breakfast with you. Then we will go to Ava. After all, I am going to meet her after ages. Adam said

You are his foster brother. So I should tell you something. You will be happy to listen to that. Mrs Jasmine said

Tell mom. Something exciting? Adam asked

Yes. She is getting married next week. Tomorrow they will come here for the engagement ceremony. So you will stay here and will give her a surprise at the event. She will be happy.

To whom she is getting married? Adam asked

Leonardo Benjamin. Mrs Jasmine said

Mom! Are you alright? Are you sure? Adam asked surprisingly.

Oh, dear. Many more changed. I will be waiting for you. I can't sleep now. Waiting for you. We will talk at the table. Have a safe journey. Good night.

Mom, good night. You have to go to sleep. Adam said

Aiden listened to his mother's words. He couldn't believe it. He went into his room and locked himself. He punched the wall. His eyes filled with tears due to anger.

Today I realized that she was never my own mom. But what? She can do this to me? Why he didn't stop Ava? Why did she adopt me? To give me this pain in last? Why Aiden you lived like this? Why I didn't confess in front of Ava? So that gambler will marry my choice of childhood. Why….!!

He called Ava.

Everything okay Aiden? why did you call me this time? Ava anxiously asked

Congratulations Ava. You didn't tell me about you are getting married. Aiden said all in a breath.

Sorry. Actually, I couldn't tell anyone. How do you know? Ava asked

Leave that who told me. I just called you to wish you. Aiden said

I will come tomorrow with Leonardo for the ring ceremony at my aunt's home. So I will join you there. Ava said

I am sorry. I will not available. I will be on the shoot. Okay, good night. Aiden said and dropped the call. Ava was not known about Aiden's feelings for herself. So she acted normally.

The next day, after breakfast. Ava went back to her room. Watson knocked on the door.

Ms Ava, Mr Leonardo is looking for you. Watson said

Okay, I will be there. Thank you. Ava said. She took a deep breath and went into Leonardo's room.

Did you call me? Ava asked

Yes, I need your help to select dresses and stuff for the event. Leonardo said and walked towards the dressing room.

So what I should wear? Actually, I will wear it according to your dress. Leonardo said

Ava checked the coats and pants section. She took one of those and put it on Leonardo's chest.

How it is? Ava asked

If you think it is good then. Leonardo said

Now I will check the tie and shirt. Ava said and started looking into the tie and shirt section.

Where is that one? Ava mumbled

Which one you are looking for? Leonardo asked

The one you wore in the last meeting. You were looking so…. Ava said and stopped with shyness.

What I was? Leonardo asked with curiosity

I mean that shirt and tie were perfect. Ava said

So you realized everything. Leonardo said

I have to check my stuff as well. If you don't need anything then I can go. Ava said

I don't need any more. Leonardo said.

Ava went into her room. She ironed her dress and hanged in a bag. She packed her stuff and went into Leonardo's room.

I am going. My aunt is waiting for me. Ava said

Take a beautiful cake and some sweet from the cake corner for aunt as today is a special day. Leonardo said

Okay. I will take it. Thank you. Ava said and went out.

Sophia was pretending as if she was so happy about everything happening in the mansion. Emma excused Leonardo for not attending the event as she lied to him that she was feeling sick. In the Evening, everyone got ready and went to Mrs Jasmine's house. Ava wore salmon colour shoulder bodycon velvet dress. She was looking elegant in that dress.

My sister looks so pretty today. Wishing you all the best. Adam said. Ava went in shock with surprise as she look back in the mirror. Adam was standing with Mrs Jasmine.

Brother! Ava cried and ran towards him and hugged him.

Stop crying. Your make-up will be ruined. Adam said in a humorous way.

O! Shut up. I didn't wear makeup. When you came? Ava asked while wiping her tears.

Leave it. Are you happy? Adam asked

I am. You made my day more special. Ava said

Thanks. But mom. Look! Should I be her foster brother? She never looks like mine. Adam couldn't stop to tease Ava. Due to his humorous behaviour and motivational words, Ava got strong in her struggling life.

I am joking. You look dazzling. Can I ask you something? Adam asked

Yes, why not. Ava said

I am happy my sister is getting married. But are you sure that you are going to marry Leonardo Benjamin? Adam asked

What is this time to talk about? My girl all the time take the right decisions. so don't disturb her now. Mrs Jasmine said. Meanwhile, the doorbell rang.

I think the guests arrived. Mrs Jasmine said

Leonardo came out of the car. He took a deep breath and thought of something. He was going to take his life's most important decision as a realistic decision that was not fake for him. James patted his shoulder to move on. Ava took a deep breath and went to open the door. She was shivering with anxiety and happiness mixed feelings. Mrs Jasmine rubbed her shoulders and nodded her head to move on.

Welcome, everyone. Mrs Jasmine said

Ava stepped forward. Leonardo step forward and kissed her cheek and handed over her flower banquet. Everyone went into the living room. Ava went to the kitchen. She was smiling excessively with happiness. Adam was looking anxious but he managed to look happy for Ava. Everyone was talking with each other while Ava dragged the coffee trolley. She served everyone. Leonardo looked at Ava. She lost in beauteous as before.

As Sophia asked for my permission. So I would say you people fall in love, they date, they get along, I know they took their decision for their happy life. So I am giving my girl to you. Mrs Jasmine said

Both looked at each other. Everyone congratulated them. Emma went to her poor neighbourhood to take stuff from a lady. She gave her a bottle of liquid transparent poison. Emma investigated about work. She told a few drops will enough to kill the target. Emma gave her a bundle of money. She took the bottle and went to the mansion.

Ava and Leonardo looked at each other. Lucas was so happy to see them.

Ring exchanged with fasten heartbeats.

"May your love and happiness last forever"

Leonardo kissed beauteous Ava.