While Emma was laughing at a rooftop bar, feeling the cool ocean breeze and the dangerous proximity of Ellis’s hand on her chair, Jenna Ortega was sitting in a quiet, high-security room in the city’s most prestigious jewelry district.
Across from her sat Mr. Aris, a third-generation jeweler who dealt only in the extraordinary. On the velvet display pad between them lay the culmination of Jenna’s secret savings and months of design.
"It’s perfect," Jenna whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
The ring was a masterpiece. A central pear-cut diamond, clear as a mountain stream, was flanked by two smaller sapphires. These weren't just any stones; Jenna had tracked down the specific mine from the region in Spain where they had spent their first anniversary. The band was platinum, engraved on the inside with a phrase only the two of them knew: Always the North Star.
"It is a rare piece for a rare love," Mr. Aris said, smiling gently. "Most people buy for the status. You bought for the history."
Jenna ran a finger over the cool metal. "She’s my everything. I know I’ve been distant lately—work has been a monster—but I want this proposal to show her that she was the reason for all of it. Every late night, every headache... it was all to build a world worthy of her."
"When do you plan to ask?"
"In two weeks," Jenna said, her eyes shining with a rare flash of her old light. "I’ve rented a private resort. I’m going to fill it with roses. I want her to feel like the only woman on earth."
Jenna left the shop with the velvet box tucked securely in her inner coat pocket, resting right over her heart. She felt a renewed sense of energy. The fatigue that had plagued her for months seemed to vanish. She was going to fix the distance. She was going to bring the magic back.
She decided to stop by a florist on the way home, picking up a single stem of white lily—Emma’s favorite. When she entered the penthouse, she expected to find Emma asleep, but the lights were still on.
Emma was standing by the window, looking out at the city. She looked startled when Jenna walked in.
"Hey! You’re home early," Emma said, her voice a little too high, a little too fast.
"I wanted to see you," Jenna said, handing her the lily. "How was Sarah?"
Emma took the flower, her hands trembling slightly. "She was... she was good. We just talked. Caught up. I’m really tired though, Jen. I think I’m just going to crash."
Jenna noticed a faint scent on Emma—something that wasn't Sarah’s usual perfume. It was woodsmoke and expensive bourbon. A man’s scent. But Jenna shook the thought away. Don't be paranoid, she told herself. She’s bored and lonely because of your schedule. Don't make it worse by accusing her of things.
"Okay, honey. Sleep well," Jenna said, leaning in to kiss her.
Emma turned her head at the last second, and the kiss landed on her cheek. "Night, Jen."
Jenna stood in the middle of the living room, the velvet box in her pocket feeling heavier than it had a moment ago. She looked at the lily in Emma's hand, which Emma had haphazardly tossed onto the counter.
"Two weeks," Jenna whispered to the empty room. "Just two more weeks, and everything will be right again."
But as she spoke the words, the "North Star" felt further away than ever.