Christopher stood in the middle of the shop that was closed just so he could buy what he wanted. He had the full attention from the clerks.
He wanted to be quick and smooth and didn't have patience to deal with shopping hence his appointments were often private. They were rare though. The most he ever bought for himself was a decent suit and a watch but only once he worn down one of the two he had, which hasn't happened in years. It was the first time ever he went to the shop with an intend to buy jewellery.
"What is the best wedding ring you have?" He asked the clerk.
"Is it for yourself, sir?"
"Myself and my wife." Christopher answered honestly. He still was taken aback by the word wife. He still forgot that he was married.
"It is well known that ladies do love diamonds. We have a beautifully crafted 10 carat ring available now."
"Show me."
The man brought the ring from the back, showing it off in the best way he could to Christopher, trying to make it catch the light. But Christopher wasn't very convinced. He quickly requested to be shown something else, and then again. It was clear that the clerk was picking the finest and most expensive jewellery. "Mr Cosby, what do you think?" Christopher turned around to his assistant in hope that maybe he was too picky and Patrick saw something more in the rings that all looked the same to him.
"They are all truly stunning, sir." Patrick answered honestly.
Christopher sighed. It wasn't quite the answer he was hoping for. He hoped that Patrick was going to give him a constructive feedback.
"They're all square." Christopher pointed out. He tried to work out whether it was the Diamond itself or the cut that he disliked. In theory, he shouldn't care. The ring was really just a formality. But he wanted Emilia to like it. The challenge was, of course, to find something for her without knowing her likes and dislikes, and basing it solely on the single night he saw her wearing jewellery. But then, he promised himself that if Emilia didn't like what he picked for her, he will get her an alternative ring later down the line. For now, it was just a ring, and he should be okay picking any.
But he wasn't. He stared at the jewellery with his hand propping his head.
"They are all emerald-cut, sir." The clerk explained.
"I think something more delicate would suit Emilia more." Christopher said out loud at last. For anyone around he might have looked as if he was scowling at the rings, while he was trying to battle his inner voice.
"We can customise the design as per your needs, sir." Clerk answered as he picked a booklet out with all of the different options that were available.
"Perfect." Christopher opened the booklet. It was surprisingly easy for him to envision what he wanted now. "Marquise cut white diamond as the centrepiece. 10 carat or more. Then a few smaller diamond cuts and… emerald. White gold."
"And for yourself, sir?"
"I'd like a plain white gold band with a fine line of white diamonds. I want it to match Emilia's ring somehow."
"Anything else, sir?" The clerk asked warily. Christopher looked at all other jewellery in the store.
Patrick did a good job in finding the best of the best.
"Add the collar necklace with embedded white diamonds and the white rose earrings." Christopher pointed to the set decisively. He could see how the sparkle of the diamonds would bring more light to Emilia's face and her stunning smile that haunted him every time he thought of her. "And a second set of those with a mix of white diamonds and emeralds."
"Of course, sir."
"Can you do a set of cufflinks matching the style of the earrings?"
"Of course, sir."
Patrick watched this with amusement and worry. Christopher was acting odd since the gala dinner. And him purchasing the jewellery worth millions of Pounds for Emilia was not a good sign. Well, it was a good sign. But not if Emilia was still oblivious as to the nature of the contract she had with Christopher.
Patrick felt uneasy. For someone who swore to never interact with their wife, Christopher was really going out of his way to please Emilia with the jewellery. He could bat an eye at the ring. It helps to upkeep the lie to everyone else. But the necklaces and earrings and matching cufflinks seemed excessive.
Patrick was getting anxious again. It was good when over the last two weeks Christopher and Emilia didn't cross each other's paths. Now, the more they were to interact with each other, the more likely it was going to turn against him. He needed to act soon.
Christopher snapped him back as he waved at Patrick to carry out the transaction.
Due to the level of refinement and
customisability of the set, it was expected that it would take weeks to source all of the gems.
He was glad that Christopher seemed to forget all about Emilia as soon as they left the shop and started working again. He barely spoke of her.
He hoped that because the next event wasn't for another two weeks, they will not have enough of time to bond.
It wasn't completely true though. Although Christopher was able to conceal his thoughts well, he thought back to Emilia more often than what he'd like.
Part of him wanted to catch more glimpses of her and learn more of her and her points of views. He was intrigued by the fact that she defended him in front of others. No one ever defended him so openly before.
But then, he never wanted a relationship or marriage. He hoped that if he was cold and distant his wife will eventually leave him.
He was increasingly conflicted over the past two weeks, and it seemed to bother him more after the gala dinner.