I didn't bother pointing it out and simply removed the ring.

The sales associate kindly suggested that I choose a different style, but I declined.

"Let's just buy this one and get it over with. No need to make it more complicated."

Ansel, hearing this, was clearly displeased with my tone.

"If you're not happy with it, we don't have to buy it. Elara can help you get a custom one later," he offered.

I shook my head and refused. "No, this one is fine."

Elara, however, looked deeply remorseful, her eyes brimming with tears once again. She tilted her head slightly to the right, her smile softening into something that looked like compassion.

"Serafina, I'm going straight to the studio to work on the design. I'll make sure you have a perfect Union!"

With that, she quickly left. No matter how much Ansel called after her, she didn't stop.

"Serafina, what's the matter with you? It's just a ring. Why are you making such a fuss?"

I was taken aback. "What am I making a fuss about?"

He pressed his lips tightly together and pulled me out of the store.

"I have business to attend to. We can take the Union portraits later."

"Or, you could take your solo photos first and I'll have the designers put my image alongside yours for the ceremony."

"Okay."

Ansel's explanations got caught in his throat. He looked at me for a long moment before gently embracing me.

"Serafina, once I'm done with business, I'll take you on a trip and we can do the portraits properly."

To me, his dismissive promise felt like an insult. He had no time to visit me in Palermo, but he had plenty of time to accompany Elara to the coast to watch the sunset and to the northern territories to see the lights.

Seeing his location and profile picture hurrying towards Elara's studio, I went back into the store and returned the ring to the sales associate.

As I expected, Ansel didn't come home for two days. He was accompanying Elara to the seaside for their Union portraits. And indeed, he had someone put our faces onto their pictures.

Determined to avoid the ceremony, he'd probably only come back for my parents' memorial.

I went to the cemetery with two bouquets to visit them. I also gave my contact information to the caretaker so he could reach me directly from now on.

"I'll cover the upkeep for my parents from now on. Just refuse any payments from Mr. Montecaro."