"Sister, that diamond ring on your hand is gorgeous!"
Lora’s eyes sparkled as she caught sight of the dazzling gem. Without hesitation, she grabbed Nikki’s hand, gasping in awe. "Is this the Graff Pink Heart diamond—the one and only in the world?"
Then, her tone darkened. "Could this be the wedding ring that Howard and Brad prepared for me? It’s stunning..."
Nikki winced as Lora’s grip tightened painfully around her fingers. Before she could pull away, Brad—who had been standing nearby—noticed Lora’s interest. Without a second thought, he forcibly yanked the ring off Nikki’s finger and handed it to Lora as if offering a prized possession.
His voice was filled with irritation. "Brother, when did you even get a wedding ring? Are you seriously thinking about marrying this fake, who shamelessly flirts around?"
Howard’s sharp gaze flickered between the ring and Nikki’s face. His voice was cold and firm. "That’s impossible."
Lora blinked innocently. "Then... Could it be that one of those playboys from earlier, or maybe some other man, gave it to my sister?"
Nikki watched as Lora slid the ring onto her own finger. Ignoring the pain still stinging her hand, she quickly reached out, her face turning icy. "Give it back! It’s mine!"
But just as her fingertips grazed Lora’s, Howard seized her arm with a bruising grip. His eyes were dark, his voice laced with warning.
"It’s only been a few days, and you've already latched onto someone else? Nikki, are you really this cheap? Have you forgotten how you were just begging to marry us?"
Brad scoffed. "Maybe she bought it herself to force a marriage. Whatever. Lora likes it, so let her wear it. The wedding isn’t happening anyway—no need for you to keep a ring."
Nikki’s composure finally shattered. The emotions she had been holding back burst forth as she watched Lora—safely shielded behind them—smiling sweetly, admiring the ring in her hand.
Her breathing grew heavy.
Then, unable to contain herself any longer, she lunged forward.
"That’s my ring! Give it back!"
It wasn’t just a wedding ring—it was the last glimmer of light in her life.
The symbol of David’s trust and kindness was brought to her from across thousands of miles of ocean.
The only warmth she had left.
Lora shrank back, trembling. She looked at Nikki with wide, fearful eyes, hiding behind Howard as if she were some helpless victim.
Before Nikki could even reach her, Brad and Howard blocked her path.
Brad’s expression darkened. With zero hesitation, he shoved her backward—straight onto the street.
"Are you insane? It’s just a ring! After everything you’ve stolen from Lora over the years, you still have the audacity to fight her for this?"
Nikki stumbled, losing her balance.
A car screeched to a halt just inches from her, the blaring honk making her heart pound in terror.
Brad’s eyes flickered with surprise for a moment, but his annoyance quickly returned. "If you hadn’t fought like a lunatic, none of this would’ve happened. Stop acting pitiful."
Howard strode forward, grabbing her by the wrist and yanking her back, but his face was twisted with fury.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Throwing yourself away like this just to force us into marriage? And now, you’re even willing to risk your life?"
Lora hesitated before pulling the ring off her finger and tossing it aside.
"Sister, I… I don’t want to take anything from you. But please, stop forcing Howard and Brad!"
The diamond ring hit the pavement with a sharp clink, rolling away as tiny reflections of light danced across its surface.
Nikki clenched her teeth, ignoring the pain from her swollen ankle as she staggered forward. Her bloodshot eyes locked onto the ring.
She reached for it.
But just as her fingertips brushed the pavement, a foot shot out and kicked her down.
She hit the ground hard.
Laughter erupted.
It was one of Howard’s so-called friends.
"Hahaha! Look at her!"
"Howard, I invited her for drinks tonight, but she acted all high and mighty, pretending she was too good for us! And now? She comes crawling back, diamond rings in her hand, trying to force a marriage?"
He sneered, shaking his head.
"Didn’t expect this bootlicker to be so desperate!"
