Rebecca stared long and hard at the ring presented before her. As she stood there, guests observing were cheering, whistling, and the photographers were flashing their cameras nonstop, taking in every second to be sure not to miss a single moment.
The ring, it's gold band and three large set diamonds shimmered in the light hanging above. She looked at it, admiring its beauty but at the same time feeling a sense of disdain from it. The segment of conversation between Ariam and her grandmother echoed in her mind. She knew what her answer was but felt unable to speak.
Feeling frozen, she looked back up at Ariam, and when his eyes met hers he smiled, believing all too well he knew what her response was, that she was just too surprised and overjoyed to answer. Ariam removed the ring and returned the box to his robe pocket, never averting his eyes from her own. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."
Rebecca watched as Ariam leaned forward and took her hand gently. However, before he was able to slip the ring onto her finger, she jerked her hand out of his grasp and reach. Her outburst started commotion among the guests and Ariam himself.
"Rebecca, give me your hand."
Rebecca kept her eye contact with Ariam and slowly shook her head. By now she could see the smile on Ariam's face had completely faded away.
She backed away as he stepped closer, "I'm sorry," she said quietly, then quickly turned and pushed her way through the crowd. Her grandmother's shouts were still audible as she ran from the ballroom and out of the estate.
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