---- Benedict scanned the contract -custom-made three years ago, fitting scheduled a year ago, and the staff's words about her marrying the one she loved. He turned to watch me walk away in the gown, an aching bitterness swelling inside him. He shouldn't have rejected me like that. Benedict released Lina's hand and quickened his pace, catching up with me in three strides. "My words just now were harsh. This is for you- a peace offering." I looked at the small box resting in his palm. Inside lay a massive emerald ring. Memories flashed in my mind. When Benedict and I were children, we were close. Back then, while playing house, he'd roll green leaves into fake rings, promising he'd one day buy a large green gem and marry me. ---- I looked up at him, a fleeting warmth washing over me. Benedict might be having feelings for me? Lina's soft laugh shattered the strange tension between Benedict and me. "Benedict, isn't this the prank Eric threw together for two dollars that night? "You were supposed to give her a fake ring so she'd embarrass herself wearing it out. Your birthday's over-stop messing with Sansa." I smiled, lowered my gaze, then lifted my skirt and stepped past Benedict with a cold expression. "Take it back. We're not children anymore." My refusal stunned Benedict. That sting in his chest welled up, sharp and dull all at once. He closed the box, lost any desire to shop with Lina, and walked out silently. ---- Lina, thinking I'd embarrassed Benedict in public, reached for the ring. "Tf Sansa doesn't want it, I do. As long as it's from you, Benedict, even if it's a fake, I'll treasure it." But Benedict, uncharacteristically, refused her. "ll get you something else," he said. "This is the real deal. I promised Sansa."