After Ninety-Nine Challenges

I felt a chill run through me. Why had I not hidden the ring from Draven?

I quickly slid the ring off and shoved it in my pocket, looking sad. "I just picked it up at the dollar store for fun."

My words set off a wave of laughter in the room.

Janice nearly choked on her laughter. "A diamond ring from the dollar store? Nevaeh, you're too much!

"Even if Seth won't buy you one, you should get a nicer ring. Isn't getting a fake diamond ring a little desperate?"

I kept quiet, pretending to be flustered like Janice had caught me red-handed. I looked at Seth with puppy-dog eyes.

Seth wrapped his arms around me and promised, "Nevaeh, don't you worry. By next week, I'll get you a real diamond ring, and you'll be the happiest girl ever."

Right after he said that, everyone in the room glanced around, trying not to laugh.

I just stared at Seth's 'honest' smile and thought to myself, 'Yeah, right! Next week, I'm marrying your uncle.'

Marrying the heir to the Gibson family fortune? Of course I'd be over the moon!

The chicken soup errand was done, and I no longer felt like playing pretend with these people. "Seth, it's getting late. I'm gonna head out," I said.

I was about to leave when Janice grabbed my sleeve, grinning at me. "Nevaeh, I've never seen snowmelt from the top of the mountain. It's such a shame. Could you get me some more?"

I just stared at her, speechless. "If you're that curious, why don't you collect some yourself?"

Janice did not like my tone and clung to Seth's arm, whining, "Seth, did you see that? I just asked her a simple question, yet she was so rude to me!" Then, she snarked, "Well, she's about to marry into a rich family next week, so I guess she's allowed to be snooty."

Seth was so wrapped around Janice's finger that he looked at me seriously and said, "Nevaeh, let's keep our engagement under wraps. I want to surprise everyone when the time comes."

What else could I do but nod and play along? However, before I left, I could not help but say, "Ms. Wheeler, Seth and I are getting engaged next week. Could I ask you to not make up any rumors after that?"

The moment I said that, the room burst into loud laughter again.

I looked at Seth, pretending to be confused. "Seth, what's gotten into them?"

Seth glanced around with a stern face. "Enough, everyone. Settle down."

"Okay, okay, we'll stop. Nevaeh, we wish you a joyful engagement next week. You're going to be the star of the show."

"Absolutely! Didn't Seth get you a fancy dress from a famous designer? You'll be the most stunning girl there, won't you?"

"Of course she'll be! And I've heard the engagement party is going to be huge. Seth's really going all out for you."

After saying goodbye to Seth and closing the door, I heard Janice's sarcastic voice from inside.

"Seth, make sure you invite lots of reporters to our engagement next week. We want everyone to see it live."

Seth's voice came through, loud and clear. "Don't worry. I'll make sure everyone knows how she's been treating you.

"We'll show everyone her cruel side, and she'll be the talk of the town."

"Haha! Seth, you're such a badass. Nevaeh's face is going to be a sight to behold."

"She shouldn't have messed with Janice, but her comeuppance is going to be legendary!"

I smirked and walked away. As soon as I left the hospital, Draven called me. "Are you free tomorrow? Let's go pick out your wedding dress."

The next week was a whirlwind.

On the first day, I tried on what seemed like a million dresses.

On the second day, I posed for photographs in my chosen dress.

On the third day, I picked out jewelry that perfectly complemented the dress.

...

Seth called to ask why I had not visited him lately. I told him I was just swamped with engagement matters.

On the day of the engagement, Seth called a bunch of reporters and internet stars to broadcast it for everyone to see.

Everything was set for the big day, but I was nowhere to be seen, and my phone was out of reach.

"Seth, why hasn't Nevaeh shown up yet?"

"Do you think she discovered something and decided not to come?"

Seth was frantically redialing my number. "No way! We just talked this morning. Maybe she's caught in traffic."

Out of nowhere, someone rushed over to Seth with a phone in hand.

"Seth, check out the woman marrying your uncle. She looks a lot like Nevaeh..."