Chapter 10
Having quit my job, I no longer needed to waste time learning computer science–a field I never loved.
My college degree was in jewelry design, and now I could finally return to my passion. That afternoon, I was sketching in my parents‘ garden room when Alexander arrived unexpectedly.
He brought me a pearl and diamond tiara. I recognized it immediately as an antique from the last century that I’d seen in books.
The lover’s knot design had always captivated me, with lustrous pearls arranged in perfect gradation, brilliantly integrated with diamonds that resembled lovers‘ teardrops suspended from the crown.
When he presented it to me, I protested that I hadn’t done anything to deserve such a gift. Alexander replied that he had purchased it long ago for his future fiancée–it was simply finding its rightful owner now.
Finally understanding, I mentioned that I had fallen in love with this exact tiara on my eighteenth birthday, but someone had outbid me with an astronomical offer.
It had been Alexander all along.
But how could he have known I would love this gift back then?
Alexander explained that when he was sixteen, he had nearly drowned after collapsing on a beach in Oahu. I had saved him with a life preserver.
When he opened his eyes, he’d memorized my face, thinking as if I were some divine apparition. By coincidence, my college professor turned out to be Alexander’s mother.
No wonder he knew my preferences so well.
“So because I saved your life, you agreed to this arranged marriage? I didn’t think much of it when I rescued you…” I felt embarrassed I hadn’t even recognized him at first.
Alexander shook his head. “Perhaps you believe in love at first sight?”
I couldn’t help but smile. The concept seemed like something from a fairy tale.
“I didn’t believe in it either,” Alexander admitted, “but my heart doesn’t lie when I’m with you.”
The tenderness in his eyes was so intense I felt like I might drown in them. My heart began to race uncontrollably.
Alexander told me he had waited ten years for me. When he discovered I had a boyfriend, he had considered backing away, but after learning about Ryan’s unrequited love for another woman, he knew Ryan could never give me the happiness I deserved. So, he decided to try to pursue me.
He knelt before me with a diamond ring that fit my finger perfectly. “I’m asking for a chance to love you properly.”
20:53
Just a Stand–In?! My Billionaire Hubby’s OTHER Wife
Chapter 10
“You don’t have to believe me now. We have a lifetime ahead, and I’ll prove it to you
with my actions.”
My parents appeared from nowhere, each holding a bouquet of roses, cheerfully encouraging me: “Say yes! Say yes!”
I remembered the scene I had witnessed at the restaurant on my birthday, but now I was the one surrounded by flowers and cheers.
This time, I decided to be selfish and embrace a love that felt like a beautiful intrusion into my life.
I slipped my finger into the ring. Alexander’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as he slowly pushed the diamond. ring up my finger, claiming me as his.
My mother placed the pearl tiara on my head while my father, wiping away tears, but still remembered to take
photos and videos of the moment.
