CHAPTER 32 - THE RING SHOPPING
It was around 6:18 when they finally parked in front of the famous shop for making glamorous jewelries you can find. Not just because of the rare gemstone they offer but the shop also has variety of products like luxury watches, perfumes and leather goods
“Do we really need to buy here?” Courtney saw the signage of the outside boutique.
“Why don’t you like it here?” Ben is now ready to drive off.
“It’s expensive.” Courtney knew how pricey the shop is.
Being the only daughter of the prominent family in Italy she is very much familiar to those brands since she has her own collections of jewelries. Most of them are from her parents or relatives giving her as a gift during her special occasions. Her family might be rich but her parent’s make sure that she knows how important money is. That is also another reason why she is working instead of just wasting money.
“Bulgari is the finest jewelry where we can get a nice ring.” He stated a fact.
“I know but it’s not practical to buy expensive things.” She disagreed.
Ben was amazed with her answer considering the status of their living. He was not expecting that kind of reaction that he mostly got from woman he encountered with, minus his ex-lover though. Somehow he can see that trait with Courtney making him more intrigue on what else he needs to discover. She’s a woman who knows the value of each cent she spent or make and that’s kind of quality is rare to find.
“I also need to buy present for my mother since her birthday is coming up.” Ben let her know so they can make a plan ahead of time.
“Right, I almost forgot, I’ll put it in my calendar.” She takes out her phone as a reminder.
“Let’s get in they are about to close and I just called them to hold it for us.” Ben took off his strap.
“You should realize by now that luxury things are not my things.” Courtney did the same with her seatbelt.
“You should also realize that my mother will kill me if the ring didn’t pass her sense of taste?” Ben contested.
“You do realize too that I’m the one who’s wearing the ring.” She pointed out without breaking their banter.
“Our families are in elite circle so what do you think they will say and so as the public?” He countered again.
“I don’t think they would mind because what’s important to them is that we’re engage.” Courtney didn’t back down.
"We want everyone to believe so we need a real diamond and that ring on your finger." Ben insisted.
“I don’t mind what they will say I will not wear something that I’m not comfortable with.” Courtney huffed.
“I do mind because that makes every guy notices you’re taken.” He gave a heartfelt opinion.
“It’s just a temporary ring for show off.” Courtney emphasized the last two words.
“Exactly my point, it’s a show off so might as well give them that satisfaction.” Ben mood changed after hearing the comment.
Courtney saw his reaction and regretted what she said; it’s just that she was carried away with their debate to make Ben see the impractically on buying expensive stuff. She tried to correct her own words but Ben already got out of the car and gave the car key to valet. Ben being the gentlemen he is, offered his hand when she stepped out of the car but didn’t say anything until they entered the building. They were greeted instantly by the Manager and a Sales Associate but Ben ignored them while Courtney gave small smiles to the two women standing.
"I need to see the most expensive engagement rings you have, now.” He demanded.
The Staffs instantly followed and entered the door to get the items that was asking. Few minutes later the two women emerged while holding two black trays filled with rings. At this moment, Ben let go of Courtney’s hand and began to scan each type and sizes of the rings.
“Any of these gets your attention?” He spoke without leaving his eyes on the jewelries.
“Not really.” She admitted.
“Can you give us a minute?” Ben asked the staffs a meter away from them.
“As you wish, Mr. Venoso.” The Manager bow and leave them together with the rest of the people.
“Courtney we talked about this right?” Ben finally looked up to her.
“Yes.” She decided just to let her argument go.
“So just pick one ring on theses trays and I’ll buy it.” He pointed the trays.
“Money is not a problem here. I am just thinking a lot of people can be feed with that amount of money.” Courtney reasoned out.
“Let’s worry about that later because right now the dinner will be in an hour, and you haven’t made up your mind.” Ben used that argument that made her agree fast.
“Fine you win.” She rests her case.
“Great, now let’s take a look at it again.” Ben gained his mood back.
“You go pick them for me.” Courtney gave him the privileged to do it instead.
“Are you sure that I will be the one choosing it?” Ben asked her.
“As long as the design is simple and without so much flashy stone I’m good with that.” Courtney gave her input on the specifications.
“Deal.” Ben smiled genuinely this time.
Soon they were joined by the Staffs and Ben started looking each rings giving few side comments here and there. Courtney on the other hand was just sitting comfortably on the lounge area reading the magazine. She was busy browsing the latest collections and some classic designs when Ben approaches her.
“I found it.” Ben finally found the ring.
He chose a white gold with little diamonds around the band. It was simple yet elegant since it was a princess cut diamond. Courtney kept declining but as always Ben gets what he wants.
“Can I see it?” Courtney excitedly said.
“Not a chance.” Ben shook his head.
“What? Why not? That’s my ring anyways.” She puts a little tantrum while trying to snatch the ring.
“You will see it on the right time.” He raised his arm so she will not get hold of it.
“You’re so unfair, I let you chose it so be fair and show it to me.” Courtney pouted.
“You don’t want to keep pouting or else I’ll ravish you here.” Ben whispered to her ear making her blush.
“You’re so going to get it later.” She whispered seductively.
“Bring it on.” Ben dared back.
At this rate the couple was being watched by the Staffs who are fascinated by their argument claiming it was the cuteness one they heard and witness.
“Let’s pick mother’s present then we can go.” Ben decided to hand over the ring to the standby Manager.
Few minutes later, Ben decided to purchase a white gold necklace with a locket for his mother. After he made the payment, the jewelries were wrapped in designated box placed in a black bag with the Brand’s logo. They thanked everyone inside the shop and they head home to Courtney’s flat while Ben had to return home after getting a call from his mother.
