Chapter 6

"Lanaya, I'm sorry, but the engagement ring you had your eye on has been purchased by someone else. I've commissioned a custom-made one, but it'll take some time to be ready."

"Are you upset with me for botching this?"

I shook my head in response.

"It's okay."

His cell phone chimed once more, and after a quick look, he stood to depart.

"I've got some wedding-related matters to attend to. I might be unavailable for the next few days," he mentioned as he was leaving.

"After we're wed, we'll capture the most stunning photograph for our marriage certificate," he added, his lies becoming more convincing with each statement.

He hurried out without waiting for my response.

The eve of our wedding, he returned home with the family registry book and a card in hand.

As he passed me the card, I couldn't suppress a chuckle.

"Is this my bride price?"

He paused briefly, then grinned broadly, revealing all his teeth.