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.