For Gla
“Mr. Knight, you should really get this one. It’s beautiful”
Mr. Chandler beamed up at me, his polished smile practically dripping with excitement. The man was a salesman to the core, his enthusiasm a well–rehearsed act designed to convince people like me to part with outrageous sums of money.
I’d been standing in this upscale jewelry store for what felt like an eternity, staring at trays of diamond rings. Each one glittered under the soft, flattering lights, reflecting the kind of wealth and luxury I’d been able to afford for a long time now. But none of it mattered unless Freya would love it
Freya. The name alone tugged at my chest. I pictured her in my mind–her radiant smile, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she laughed. She had told me once, in passing, that visiting Italy was a dream of hers. So, I made it happen. Tickets were booked, the villa reserved, and a private gondola ride planned for the proposal.
Our relationship might have just started, but I cared less about timelines and what people said. Freya was it for me. I’d been waiting years for her. And I certainly was not going to lose her just because it appeared too soon.
“It’s going to look fantastic on your fiancée.” Mr. Chandler chimed in once again, disrupting my thoughts.
I gave him an uninterested look, not wanting to feed his enthusiasm. It didn’t matter what ring he showed me everything would look stunning on Freya. She was beautiful, inside and out, the kind of woman who made you believe in poetry and fate. But I wasn’t naive enough to think his enthusiasm was genuine. He wasn’t imagining how the ring would look on Freya’s delicate finger; he was picturing the commission.
The ring he held up was stunning–a 30–carat emerald–cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones, the kind of ring you could spot from across a room. Thirty million dollars, and worth every penny for her. But as breathtaking as it was, I hesitated.
Freya wasn’t the type to flaunt. If it were up to her, she’d probably pick the simplest band in the store and call it a day. But this wasn’t just about her taste; it was about making a statement. She was the love of my life, and I wanted the world to know it. I wanted a ring that would scream, “Back off; she’s taken”
I scanned the display and picked up another ring. This one was different–still ostentatious, but more her style. A round brilliant–cut diamond with a timeless design. It sparkled under the lights, elegant yet bold, much like Freya herself.
“That’s an excellent choice,” Mr. Chandler said, his tone shifting into a reverent whisper as he leaned closer. It’s 24 cara=”
My phone buzzed loudly over his sentence. I pulled out the phone and read its screen. “Hello?”
“Mr. Knight?”
“Yes?
“I’m calling from Gia’s school. Ms. Wilson is not here to collect Gia. We could reach her, but she must have switched off her mobile phone.
I stilled, words sinking into my brain. Gia! Where the heck was Freya picking her up! She’s normally so reliable about this kind of thing. I caught a glimpse of the clock. It was over an hour past dismissal
“Okay, I’ll be there in fifteen. Can I talk to her?” I asked, already shrugging into my jacket.
“Of course
“Daddy?”
Cla’s lin
little voice came through the line, hesitant but familiar.
“Sweetheart, wait for me, okay? 17l be there very soon”
Okay.
1 hung up, adrenaline kicking in, Freya’s phone going straight to
The ring?” Mr. Chandler’s voice pulled me back.
“I take it Bill it to me.”
“Yes, definitely-
to voicemail was a bad sign. She never turned it off. Where the hell was she!
701 AM D
Chapter 78
#90
I didn’t wait to hear the rest of his answer. I was already out the door, dialing Chris, my driver, as I strode through the lavish hallway that led to the
exit.
“Bring the car around. We’re going to Gia’s school. I harked, stepping into the chilly November air.
Chris, ever efficient, had the car waiting by the curb. I climbed in, my mind racing.
Gia sounded calm, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling settling in my gut. Freya not showing up wasn’t just unusual–it was unheard of. Had something happened to her? Was she in trouble!
I dialled her number again, my mouth cursing when the call went straight to voicemail. I did not have time to consider all the worst–case scenarios; however, the possibilities gnawed at the edge of my mind. Accidental! No. There would have been a call if that were so
“Drive faster. I told Chris, my tone sharper than I had meant.
He nodded, the car picking up speed as we weaved through traffic. I tapped my fingers against my thigh, trying to keep the rising anxiety at bay.
By the time we pulled up to the school, I was already unbuckling my seatbelt. Gia was waiting just outside the main entrance, her small frame bundled up in a puffy jacket. her backpack hanging off one shoulder.
Hey, sweetheart, I called out as I approached..
She looked up at me. There was a sense of relief there, but a hint of frustration too.
“You’re late” she said, crossing her little face into a pout.
“I know, baby. I’m sorry I said, getting down to her level.
“Why didn’t Mommy come! All my friends left,” she said, arms crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face.
I stroked my hair as I looked for suitable words. “I suppose she became busy with important matters,” I said cheerfully.
She looked hard at me, obviously unsure, but too exhausted to try a
y and argue.
“Well, come on, and I’ll take you home,” I said, helping her to her feet.
As we walked to the car, I stole a glimpse at my phone again. Nothing from Freya yet. Whatever was going on, I was going to uncover it. But right. now, Cia was what mattered.
I helped her in the car, buckled her seatbelt and climbed in beside her. She leaned her head into my arm, her irritation and frustration melting away as sleepiness claimed her.
“Chris, let’s go.” I said, my voice calm but firm,
As the car pulled away from the school, I stared out the window, my mind churning. Freya’s absence was a puzzle, one I was determined to solve as soon as we got home.
