Lena stared at the ring on her finger, the diamond catching the soft light above the table like it had every intention of being noticed.
“This really wasn’t necessary,” she said finally, lifting her hand slightly as if the extra weight needed explanation. “We agreed on… practicality. Not performances.”
Zayn didn’t even hesitate. He picked up his glass, calm as ever.
“Soon you’ll be Mrs. Specter,” he replied. “A ring is not optional.”
She opened her mouth to argue, then closed it again. Something about the certainty in his voice made resistance feel pointless.
Dinner arrived, and for a while, they ate in silence.
It wasn’t awkward—surprisingly. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere warm, and despite herself, Lena felt her shoulders loosen, the tension of the day slowly melting away
