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The fluorescent lights are harsh.
I catch a glimpse of myself in one of the reflective mirrors and wince. My skin looks especially pale and tired right now. Even more so in comparison to Elizabeth’s warm and vibrant brown skin.
“What are we doing here?” she whispers.
I arch an eyebrow. “What do you think?”
“You’re getting me a ring?”
I nod.
“Everyone thinks we’re just engaged.”
“Then consider it an engagement ring.”
“It’s fine.”
“But—”
“You’re getting a ring.”
“Brogan…”
“Unless you want to get matching finger tattoos.”
She scrunches her nose.
The store clerk watches us intently. “Can I help you, folks?”
I pull out my wallet. “Whatever she wants.” Chucking a chin at Elizabeth, I smack a credit card on the counter. “Charge it.”
Elizabeth pulls me aside. “You don’t even know me. What if I run off with that?”
“Then I’ll know I married a thief.” My lips twitch.
She doesn’t smile back. “We’re only doing this for seven days. Let’s go to a pawn shop or something. It’s really not worth it to drop so much cash over something that won’t last.”
After the money I spent on my first wedding, none of the price tags in this jewellery store could faze me. At least this time I’m aware I’m throwing money away on something that’ll shift with the wind.
“Look,” I grasp her shoulders, turn her to me, “I know what you gave up. I won’t pretend that I’m not the one gaining more from this. If you intend to fool your family and put on a show,” I twist her so she can watch the sparkling diamonds in the glass case, “put on a good one.”
A smile creeps over her lips. “Can you really afford it?”
I shrug.
The smile widens.
I hold out a hand. “Give me your phone.”
“Is this collateral?”
I smirk. “Just give it.”
She does.
I inspect the cracked screen. “Take your time. I’ll be right back.”
“You’re not going to choose it with me?”
