Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon) novel Chapter 102

In the car, Janice quickly tried to return the gift Barbara had given her to Edward.

"You don't like it?" Edward asked.

"It's not that. It's too precious."

Inside the box was a piece of jewelry Edward's grandmother, Madelina Chaucer, had given to Barbara before she passed away. Though it wasn't a family heirloom nor a symbol of acknowledging a daughter-in-law, it still held a special significance.

Edward opened the box.

Inside was a pure silver ring that was slightly wide, with a pale white gemstone embedded in it. The craftsmanship wasn't ornate, but its vintage design exuded an understated elegance.

He picked up the ring, took Janice's hand, and slid it onto her middle finger without hesitation.

She barely had time to react before the ring was on her finger. "Edward…"

"The Moore family has never taken back a gift once it's given. My grandmother loved beautiful things. If she knew her jewelry was being cherished by someone even more beautiful, she'd be happy."

Since losing her mother, Seraphina Kingswell, Janice had been without any older family members. Hearing Edward's words, she hesitated.

"Then once we no longer have to pretend, I'll return it to you."

Edward said nothing.

After dropping Janice home, the Bentley drove off.

…

Later that night, after showering and drying her hair, Janice was going over preparations for the upcoming Winter Tournament when a thought crossed her mind. It was that moment in the car.

She opened WhatsApp.

Janice: "Are you busy?"

Edward: "No."

Janice: "Were you complimenting my looks earlier in the car?"

She didn't hesitate to ask as he had told her to act naturally.

Minutes passed without a response, and she pinched her earlobe.

Was that too abrupt? Well, it was too late to take it back now.

Just as she was about to let it go and return to work, her phone vibrated.

Edward: "Yes."

A short, direct reply. Yes, he did think she was pretty.