Symbolizing a Lasting Bond

Lariette and Ruediger didn't let Amber's unpleasant appearance bother them. They resumed shopping as if nothing happened.

Ruediger found the suit he wanted. He picked a two-piece suit in the color light blue. His choice pleasantly surprised Lariette.

When Lariette saw Ruediger trying the suit before finalizing the purchase, she openly told him how much the outfit suited him. His slightly bashful smile lured chuckles out of her lips.

As for Lariette, she returned to Annelle Style. After apologizing to the sales assistants for the previous commotion caused by Amber, she browsed the dresses before choosing a new one.

"Look! Isn't this pretty?"

Lariette happily showed the white knee-length dress to Ruediger. He encouraged her to try it, which she really did.

"My future bride is already pretty," uttered Ruediger once Lariette came out of the changing room, "This dress makes you prettier."

Lariette burst out laughing, amused by Ruediger's compliment. She inwardly thought how sweet-spoken her future contracted husband could be.

"But, won't you feel hot? The collar is high. It's also long-sleeved."

Ruediger's question earned a smile from Lariette. She perceived the curiosity beneath his inquiries.

"I'll be fine. Hehe, I've decided on this dress."

Seeing Lariette was fully enamored by the dress, Ruediger simply smiled. He waited for her to change back into her previous outfit.

When Ruediger wanted to pay for Lariette's dress, both of them received a surprise. The manager gave them a discount for the unpleasant shopping experience before.

"We're sorry for not stepping in earlier, miss and mister," said the manager, earnestly apologizing to Lariette and Ruediger, "Please rest assured. We won't let such an incident happen again."

Lariette and Ruediger exchanged a glance. Understanding the manager was being truthful, they happily accepted the offer. 

The manager handed Lariette a complimentary gift before the couple left the boutique. She seemed eager to welcome their visit again.

"Seems like I paid much lower than what you did for my suit," Ruediger arched his right brow, playfully teasing Lariette, "I think I should treat you for lunch with the remaining balance."

"Hehe, that's a good idea," Lariette chuckled, her eyes curving into crescent moons, "Let's get our rings before lunch. What do you think?"

"Sure."

Lariette and Ruediger went to one of the jewelry stores in the mall, Sparkllure[01]. The staff were attending to their current customers; two couples and a young man.

The jewelry store was softly lit by the small chandeliers hung above the ceiling, casting a glow on the polished marble floor. The ambiance inside the store was refined yet intimate.

Lariette and Ruediger glanced at their surroundings, looking at the shelves lining the walls. Various pieces of jewelry sparkled from every direction, catching their eyes.

"Welcome to Sparkllure. May I assist you, dear customers?"

A female staff in a lilac suit dress approached Lariette and Ruediger, wearing a polite smile.

"We're looking for wedding rings," replied Lariette, directly bringing up their intention of coming here, "Do you have any good suggestions?"

"We have a few new collections. Please follow me, dear customers," the staff gestured to an area, "The wedding rings are here."

Lariette and Ruediger followed the staff. As the latter went behind the display counter, the man pulled out the chair for the former.

"Do you have any particular design you like?" asked Ruediger quietly. He gestured at Lariette to sit.

"I like something simple," Lariette smiled at Ruediger as she sat on the chair, "Something that can be worn every day."

Ruediger smiled meaningfully, wondering how lovely Lariette would be wearing a wedding ring. Sitting next to her, he placed the shopping bags on the floor.

The staff caught the conversation between the couple. She smilingly asked, "Miss, does it mean you're looking for something elegant and timeless? Not too flashy?"

"Hehe, yes," Lariette chuckled, her countenance beaming, "Simplicity can speak volumes too, don't you think?"

"Indeed," the staff nodded, her eyes twinkling with delight, "May I ask what is your preference? Gold, platinum or maybe something unique like rose gold?"

"Platinum," replied Lariette without thinking much. She smiled at Ruediger, "How about you?"

"Platinum for me too," Ruediger returned the smile. Raising his brow, he added, "It's more durable. Don't you think it symbolizes a lasting bond?"

"Hahaha, it's fitting!"

Covering her laughing mouth, Lariette playfully patted Ruediger's arm. He simply smiled at her, happy to see her looking delighted.

The staff couldn't help but think of the happy and loveable image of the couple. The lady and the gentleman were both beautiful and handsome, like a match made in heaven.

Bringing out a velvet tray of rings in different designs and finishes, the staff said, "Do you prefer a polished finish or a brushed one? Perhaps, a mixture of finishes?"

The staff's gloved fingers presented a ring to Lariette and Ruediger, "This ring has a satin finish with polished edge, the texture is subtle yet elegant."

Lariette leaned closer to the tray, quietly taking her time while admiring the rings. She tucked a strand behind her ear, her chocolate brown hair cascading behind her back.

While Lariette's eyes were focusing on the rings, Ruediger's gaze only settled on her. He quietly clenched his hands, holding back from reaching for her silky locks.

Ruediger was genuinely happy with what he experienced with Lariette today. Despite their marriage being a contractual one, he wished to give her happiness while being someone she could rely on.

"Lettie, may I suggest it?"

"...en?"

Ruediger's husky voice sounded exceptionally close to Lariette due to the short distance between them.

Momentarily frozen, she sensed the warmth of his breath fanning her face. Her shoulder almost grazed his arm.

"How about this one?" Ruediger pointed to a set of wedding rings, his lips curving up, "The gem kinda looks like your eyes too."

Blinking, Lariette pulled her gaze from Ruediger's smiling countenance to the ring he was pointing at. 

The pair of wedding rings were crafted from polished platinum. Each ring was adorned with a single, round-cut sapphire. The deep blue color of the gemstone contrasted well against the platinum bands.

"It's a wonderful choice, mister," the staff smiled, beaming with Ruediger's pick, "The design embodies modern minimalism yet possesses classic elegance. The colored stone adds a statement to the rings."

"Then, what do you think, Lettie?" asked Ruediger, his voice dripping with honey.

Lariette stared at the rings before once again locking her eyes on Ruediger. His smile softened further than before, his emerald eyes warm. 

There was something in the way he fondly looked at her that made her heart flutter.

As if...

He was looking at the love of his life instead of his future contracted wife.

But... She was just mistaken, right?

----------

Reference:

1 - The jewelry brand owned by 'Get Rid of Him' FL's cousin, borrowing the name here ;)