Skylar hesitated, her fingers lightly brushing over the jewelry box as if it were fragile glass. The weight of Gloria’s request hung in the air, and for a moment, Skylar felt trapped between her own discomfort and the warmth of the gesture. She knew that Gloria had always treated her like family, but this ring—this was a symbol of something deeper, something Skylar wasn’t sure she could embrace.
“I… I can’t accept it, Grandma,” Skylar said softly, her voice faltering. “It’s too much.”
But Gloria’s gaze remained gentle, unwavering in its kindness. “My dear, what is more important to me than a ring is your happiness. I’ve watched you and Joe from the sidelines, and I know you’ve both had your challenges. But no matter what happens, I want you to know that you’re part of this family. This ring—it’s my way of showing you that I care. Please, take it.”
Skylar felt a lump form in her throat. She couldn’t bear to disappoint Gloria, especially now, when the older woman’s health was so fragile. She glanced over at Joe, unsure if he would object, but his eyes were downcast, his expression unreadable. Perhaps he, too, knew that refusing this gift would hurt Gloria more than accepting it.
With a deep breath, Skylar finally nodded. “Thank you, Grandma. I’ll wear it with respect.”
Gloria’s face lit up, and a small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “That’s all I ask, dear.”
As Gloria motioned for Edgar to help her sit up a bit more comfortably, Skylar carefully opened the box. Inside lay a dazzling diamond ring, the stones sparkling under the soft hospital lights. It was beautiful, breathtaking even—but it also felt heavy with expectations.
Skylar gently slid the ring onto her finger, its cold touch a reminder of the temporary nature of her marriage with Joe. The thought lingered in her mind, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on Gloria’s pleased expression.
“You look stunning,” Gloria whispered, her voice soft but filled with genuine admiration. “Joe, you should learn from me. A woman’s heart isn’t won by material things alone, but it’s certainly nice to know she’s cared for.”
Joe said nothing, but Skylar could feel his gaze on her, a complex mixture of emotions hidden behind his calm exterior.
“Thank you, Grandma,” Skylar repeated, the words coming out stronger now. She sat back in her chair, content for a moment to let the peacefulness of the room settle around them. Despite everything, despite the impending divorce and the weight of their secret marriage, there was comfort in the presence of someone who genuinely cared.
Gloria smiled softly, her eyelids fluttering as she began to drift back to sleep. “Rest, Grandma,” Skylar murmured. “We’ll be here when you wake up.”
Joe remained silent, his thoughts unreadable. Skylar couldn’t help but glance at him again. In that brief moment, she saw something else—something perhaps unspoken between them, a mutual understanding. But that was something neither of them was ready to voice.
For now, the ring would remain on Skylar’s finger, a token of Gloria’s love and perhaps a reminder of the bonds that tied her to this family—no matter how temporary they might be.
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