Chapter 42
Viola adjusted her tote bag as she stepped into the small, sunlit coffee shop, the aroma of espresso and baked goods filling the air. Her laptop sat open on the corner table, and she sipped her coffee nervously, waiting for her editor. Today was important—final tweaks, ideas for the next book, and an opportunity to solidify her place as a successful writer.
Her editor arrived, bright and chatty, immediately diving into discussion about chapter arcs, pacing, and character depth. Viola was focused, typing notes, offering suggestions, and feeling that satisfying mix of pride and nerves. It was her world, her triumph, and for the first time in a long while, she felt in control.
Meanwhile, across town, Mack leaned against the sleek counter of his office, phone in hand, dark eyes focused as he dialed Sam.
"Hey," he said when she answered, voice casual but commanding. "I need you at the mall. Jewelry store. Now."
Sam raised an eyebrow, amused. "Uh… okay? What's this about? Are we looking for a ring for someone?"
Mack's lips quirked. "Maybe. Just trust me. And bring your best advice. I'll see you there in ten."
As he ended the call, he ran a hand through his hair, eyes flicking to the Glock on the side of his hip out of habit. Even during a shopping errand, he felt the protective edge, thinking about Viola, hoping she wasn't overworking herself, and craving to see her smile again.
Back at the coffee shop, Viola laughed at one of her editor's comments about plot inconsistencies, making notes, completely unaware that Mack was already orchestrating the next move in his quiet, possessive way.
By the time she packed up, finished her espresso, and headed out, Sam was already texting her, hinting at meeting Mack at the mall.
Viola raised an eyebrow at the cryptic message, curiosity piqued. "This has to be one of his plans," she muttered under her breath, tugging her coat tighter against the morning chill.
- - - - - - - - -Sam arrived at the jewelry store first, a small smile tugging at her lips as she spotted Mack leaning casually near the display cases. His usual casual dominance was softened by the slight smirk of someone who had a plan—and it was all centered on Viola.
"Hey," Sam greeted, still catching her breath from rushing over.
"Perfect timing," Mack said, eyes scanning the store as if he owned it. "I need your honest opinion." He gestured toward the display case, where a ring sparkled under the soft lights.
Sam leaned over to examine it. "Ooh… that's beautiful. Who is the lucky lady?" she teased, knowing Mack wasn't one to spill easily.
Mack ignored the teasing, his focus razor-sharp. "Tell me what you think Viola would like."
Inside the case rested a single diamond solitaire ring, set on a delicate platinum band. The stone was large enough to catch the light in every angle, but not gaudy—pure, elegant, and bold. Its clarity shimmered like morning sunlight on water, flawless but with a warmth that invited touch. The band had subtle engravings along the sides, tiny swirls that felt almost whimsical, like something hand-crafted to reflect the personality of the woman who would wear it.
Mack leaned closer, voice low. "See that subtle engraving? That's her—sophisticated, creative, a little rebellious, but soft at the core. She's not just anyone, Sam. She deserves someone who notices the details."
Sam raised her eyebrows, impressed despite herself. "Wow… that's… really thoughtful. You're serious about this, huh?"
Mack's lips curved into a sly grin. "She's not just someone, Sam. She's… my world. I want to get it right. Everything has to scream 'Viola'—from the stone to the engraving. Everything about her in one ring."
Sam nodded, feeling both excited and slightly worried for Viola. "Well… if she sees this, she's going to melt."
Mack's eyes darkened slightly, a possessive glint sparking in their depths. "Exactly. And I need to know… would she even notice if I put the right details in the right places?"
"Trust me," Sam said with a grin, "Vi notices everything. You're not going to slip anything past her. But… she'll love it. She's going to love it."
Mack tapped the case lightly, almost reverently. "Good. That's what I need to hear. I just want… everything about this to feel like her. Like she's the only one who could wear it and have it mean anything."
Sam smiled, shaking her head. "Mack, you're hopelessly in love. And she's never going to see it coming."
He didn't answer, only stared at the ring, imagining Viola's eyes widening, her fingers trembling as she touched the stone—her little gasp when she realized someone truly understood her, even in something as small as a ring, that will make his world ! He had everything planned down to the smallest detail—the flowers, the soft music, the wine waiting at just the right temperature. But nothing mattered more than Viola walking through that door and seeing him, knowing that tonight was about her.