Betrayed by Blood: My Second Life as a Queen novel Chapter 346

She had just stood there blankly, and from that day on, she never received another celebratory gift.

Until now.

She looked at the rose in her hand, wondering how to make it last a little longer.

Finally, Lucian helplessly spoke up. "Peel back the petals and take a look."

Willow instinctively did as she was told. As the petals parted in the sunlight, something seemed to sparkle.

She froze for a second, her mind going slightly blank. Following the glimmer, she found an exquisite ring nestled inside!

Made entirely of silver-white metal, it featured a flawless pigeon-blood ruby.

It was three times more vibrant than the rose itself.

Willow suddenly looked up at him, and Lucian smiled. "Willow, I have to leave in an hour. Remember to think of me, okay?"

His expression was elegant yet weary, and in that instant, Willow finally understood why Cinderella fell in love with the Prince.

Because every ounce of affection she had ever lacked was being entirely compensated.

She lowered her eyes. A ring was a highly specific gift, and for Lucian to give it to her now made his unspoken intentions abundantly clear.

She smiled. "I will."

Lucian's features lit up with a brilliant radiance, his voice growing even softer. "I booked a restaurant. Didn't you say you wanted shrimp a few days ago? Shall we go?"

"Let's go!" Willow carefully tucked the ring into her pocket.

Lucian looked slightly confused. "Do you not like it? Why aren't you wearing it?"

Willow smiled. "I'm afraid of getting it dirty."

"If it gets dirty, we'll just get another one," Lucian said. "If you like them, I'll buy you a new one every month."

Willow smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, and didn't argue. She carefully slipped the ring onto her index finger.

Lucian's gaze darkened. He was right; the ring truly suited Willow.

Her fingers looked incredibly slender, her luminous skin complementing the gem, every movement radiating a fatal, soul-stealing charm.

It made him want to take her fingers into his mouth, kissing them repeatedly until every inch was tainted with his scent.

Lucian lowered his eyelashes, hiding the intense possessiveness in his eyes.

Willow enjoyed the meal immensely. Every piece of food placed beside her, whether shrimp or crab, had been perfectly shelled, and even the fish was only the most tender cut from the belly.

For the first time in years, she was being unconditionally pampered, just like when she was a child.

So, shrimp didn't have to be peeled by her own hands.

And the meat could actually be eaten.

After they ate, it was time for Lucian to leave. Before he departed, he tried to restrain himself but failed, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Willow, wait for me."

Willow smiled, her eyes curving. "It's not like we won't see each other again. I'll be heading to The Sovereign Isles in a couple of days too."

Lucian's Adam's apple bobbed. "But I'll still miss you."

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