ELISABTH'S HEART pounded in her chest as she stared at the glittering ring, her mind reeling. The room seemed to close in around her, the weight of Vane's manipulative presence suffocating. She knew she had to act quickly, to regain control of the situation before it spiraled further out of her grasp.
Drawing a deep breath, she forced a smile, her tears still glistening. "Oh, Vane," she began, her voice trembling just enough to convey emotion, "this is such a grand gesture."
Vane's eyes sparkled with triumph as he rose, ready to place the ring on her finger. But Elisabeth held up a hand to stop him, her smile never wavering.
"But," she continued, her tone shifting to one of rehearsed sincerity, "I think we should be honest with each other here tonight." She leaned towards him to whisper but ironically still audible enough for everyone to hear. "We've only been dating for 2 months, how am I supposed to marry you?"
