For her future husband? His heart inexplicably unsettled at the thought of Sarah spending her life with someone else, sharing days and nights, growing old together. An indescribable discomfort welled up in his chest.

How could someone who once loved him so deeply marry another? Her avoiding him now and sending Eleanor to retrieve it was clever. He had to admit, this move had truly disturbed his thoughts.

"Mr. Crawford?"

"Tell Sarah for me."

"I never take back things I've given away."

"Of course, if she insists, she's welcome to come discuss it in person."

Henry turned to leave after speaking.

But Eleanor quickly called after him.

"Mr. Crawford, wait, I'll get Sarah to talk to you right now."

What a joke. Sarah was about to enter marriage. How could this ring, carrying such special meaning, remain in another's hands? Sarah had repeatedly urged her to retrieve the ring before the wedding. She wanted to personally put it on her husband's finger at the ceremony.

Over the years, Eleanor's disgust for Henry had grown daily. Yet Sarah had been so blindly devoted, it was almost unreasonable. Wasting her youth waiting, only to be heartlessly abandoned. Every time Eleanor thought about it, she wanted to slap Henry twice.

Fortunately, she finally saw reality and found a better destination. Eleanor was genuinely happy for her friend. This time, she must fulfill her mission.

When I received Eleanor's call, the car was almost at the Barnes'.

"Eleanor, what's wrong?"

"Sarah, I went to ask Henry for the ring as you said."

"But he won't give it to me, and says if you insist, you must come talk to him yourself."

I unconsciously glanced at William beside me, feeling somewhat nervous. We were still unfamiliar with each other. Though he appeared gentle and courteous, his presence was impossible to ignore. Earlier in the car, he took a work call, switching effortlessly between three languages, giving orders decisively. That natural air of authority made me feel childish and naive.

I'm not usually a quiet person, but around William, I became inexplicably reserved. Before I could respond to Eleanor, Henry's voice came through the phone.

"Sarah, do you truly want the ring back, or do you have other motives?"

I was stunned, then laughed bitterly.

"If you're trying to ruin my and Charlotte's engagement ceremony, don't waste your effort."

"If you want the ring, come get it the same way you gave it to me."

"After all, such a precious item shouldn't be handled through others."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm.

"Eleanor is my closest friend, just give it to her."

"I'll take all responsibility."

Henry chuckled, "Sarah, must I be more explicit?"

"Come get it back the same way you gave it to me."

The call abruptly ended.

I felt angry and embarrassed, my cheeks flushing red. How had I given him that ring?

It was on my graduation day. I gathered my courage and kissed him under the campus tree. It was my first time initiating a kiss. He seemed surprised but didn't push me away.

In that moment, I thought I'd finally found the right timing. Trembling, I took the ring from my pocket and gently placed it in his palm. I told him the ring's meaning. After a moment of silence, he accepted it.

Because of that, I believed he had silently accepted and welcomed my love. These past few years felt like a terrible dream. Now that I've awakened, I just want to settle accounts with the past.

I thought Henry would be eager to return the ring like throwing away trash. I never expected him to say such things. Only now did I realize belatedly that youthful impulses would one day come at a price. If this ring didn't carry that special meaning, I wouldn't even ask for it back. But I was about to enter marriage - leaving the ring with Henry would be too unfair to William.

"Having some trouble?" William suddenly spoke.

I looked up, meeting his deep gaze. An indescribable embarrassment welled up inside me. I didn't want to hide anything, but our relationship was still new, and it was difficult to explain.

"No," I shook my head gently, thinking to myself that I'd get the item back even if I had to ask Mark for help. Having made up my mind, I gradually relaxed.

"Nothing major, just some small matters to handle with the Crawfords," I smiled casually at William. "I can handle it myself."

William just nodded lightly, "Alright. If you encounter anything you can't resolve, Sarah, feel free to ask. After all, you'll soon be my wife."

He said it so naturally. It wasn't the first time he'd used such intimate terms, but my ears still burned. Especially hearing the word "wife" - even my neck grew hot. Our engagement was set, and in half a month, I would marry him. My feelings were mixed, yet there was a hint of anticipation and sweetness.

I couldn't look him in the eyes. Stealing a glance at him, I gave a soft response. William said nothing more. The car stopped in front of the Barnes' villa. He got out first, then came around to open my door. I noticed the diamond ring on his left ring finger catching the light. Since putting it on at our engagement ceremony, he had never taken it off.

He gently helped me out of the car. After I was steady, his hand still held mine, naturally interlacing our fingers. At first, I felt awkward, but the warmth of his palm was reassuring. His long fingers gently locked with mine, and I gradually relaxed. It all felt perfectly natural.

In the distance, Rachel saw us walking hand in hand and her face lit up with joy. She hurried toward us. Before we got close, Rachel hugged me tightly, tears streaming down her face.

"Sarah, you look just like your mother when she was young."

I couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears. Her familiar scent reminded me of my mother's fragrance from my hazy memories.

William stood beside us, shaking his head helplessly. He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over.

"Mom, please don't cry with Sarah. Others might think we're bullying you two."

Rachel laughed through her tears, then helped wipe my tears away. She held my hand tightly, "Sarah, come home with us."

My gaze unconsciously turned to William. He was looking at me too. Behind him were lush green trees. When I looked over, William's eyes held a gentle smile. He also reached out his hand to me.

"Sarah, let's go home."

There were still twenty minutes until seven o'clock.