The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint aroma of rain-soaked earth.

Dante stood by the wide windows of his bedroom, looking out at the vast, manicured gardens stretching beyond the estate.

The usual storm brewing in his mind had taken a back seat today, replaced by a nervous energy that he wasn’t accustomed to.

Today was the day.

A black velvet box sat on the dresser.

Its content was the result of weeks of searching, deliberation, and second-guessing.

Inside was the ring.

It was a platinum band with a delicate, oval-cut sapphire framed by smaller diamonds that sparkled like captured starlight.

It wasn’t ostentatious, but it carried...