Chapter 208: Not Good Enough For You
At the door, Josiah welcomed Aiden and Ines, and Clifford and Zendaya, one after another. Then, he saw Roland arrive alone, prompting curious whispers from the group.
"Aren't you two getting married soon? Why isn't she here? Is she afraid of hanging out with us?" Ines asked.
Roland replied, "She's frail and often unwell due to her pregnancy, so I avoid unnecessary travel for her."
Aiden joked, "Well, all that matters is that she doesn't stand you up at the wedding! Hahaha."
Everyone laughed, but noticed Josiah's sour mood. Before anyone could ask, Deborah and Damien arrived together. Their joint appearance was unusual, even as a soon-to-be family.
"Wow, what brings you two here together today?" Clifford teased. "Where's your cousin?"
Damien explained, "His entertainment company project started, so he couldn't accompany Deborah. I was at my aunt's, so I came along."
Deborah shrugged. Seeing Roland, she said, "Oh, the wedding ring you commissioned is ready. You can pick it up from my shop later."
Roland smiled and nodded.
"Wow, so Alexander's the only one who hasn't commissioned Deborah for jewelry for his partner?" Ines chuckled. She had commissioned Deborah, a renowned jewelry designer, to create unique, handcrafted couple's rings.
"Hey, I'm still single," Damien pointed out.
Aiden laughed, asking, "Do you even plan on falling in love in this lifetime?"
Damien was speechless. However, Deborah spoke up, "Damien should be the only one left because Alexander commissioned me for an engagement ring recently."
Everyone was stunned and immediately pressed for details. Deborah, not one for gossip, only described Alexander's requirements: "Investment value, the most expensive materials, the most valuable."
A twitch played at the corner of Roland's mouth. He'd just commissioned a ring himself; design was his focus, not cost.
Deborah, passionate about her work, was speechless at Alexander's nouveau riche demands. "I told him the same thing," she said, "but he insisted Isabella would like it that way." Doubt was expressed, but the engagement news overshadowed other concerns. This proved Alexander's feelings for Isabella were genuine; otherwise, given his personality and their past, he would have simply bought a ring. Commissioning Deborah was originally a university joke. The fact that Alexander followed through was amusing.
"Great! With Roland and Alexander, that makes three couples in our group," Ines said with a smile.
"Huh?" Roland was confused.
Aiden chuckled, "Didn't Clifford and Josiah both commission jewelry from Deborah? They broke up, so my honey's worried." Deborah looked at Ines speechlessly. Ines stuck out her tongue, earning a glare from Clifford, who clearly didn't want to discuss his ex.
Zendaya pretended not to hear, remembering Clifford making her wear specific earrings when impersonating his first crush. Josiah, who'd been sullen, froze, seemingly recalling something. He'd commissioned a necklace for Audrey, intending it as a public declaration of their secret relationship. Before it was finished, she became his sister-in-law. Upon receiving the necklace, furious, he almost destroyed it. However, it coincided with Audrey's birthday. He hadn't planned a gift and didn't want to see her, but family pressure led him to give her the necklace, partly out of spite. He wanted to mock her. In his anger, he overlooked something
Jerk, total jerk! Even I wouldn't believe he likes Dakota. If he really likes her, why would he treat her so badly!
Upstairs, Isabella, secretly enjoying the gossip, was furious, cursing inwardly. Downstairs, the group was shocked by her outburst. They knew Josiah pretended to be poor to rely on his girlfriend, wondering what else had happened. The bracelet Dakota cherished was made from leftover materials from Audrey's gift—worth a fraction of the original necklace. They were dating at the time! Dating means feelings, right? You're crazy for testing her so much! What do you mean by giving her a bracelet?
Alexander felt guilty. The bracelet's material was odd for a makeup artist, even as a complimentary gift. Knowing Dakota was Josiah's girlfriend, he should have made the connection, but he overlooked it. Only now did it occur to him.
Do you think you have an excuse for forgetting your girlfriend's birthday because you were in a bad mood? You didn't prepare a gift but recalled the bracelet in the car, so you used that? Doesn't your conscience bother you at all?
Alexander was speechless, feeling it might have been better not to give the gift. He couldn't understand Josiah's thinking, wondering if he knew his actions were belittling and insulting to Dakota. No, I got it wrong. You don't even have a conscience. You didn't feel guilty; you thought the gift was too good for her. You lied, saying it cost a thousand bucks, fearing she'd be vain and doubt your identity. In your eyes, she only deserves a thousand-dollar piece of jewelry. If she wasn't supporting you, she could easily afford many!
Alexander sighed, doubting Josiah's affection.
What's more infuriating is that you made Dakota pity you, thinking you'd scrimped and saved for the bracelet. She treated you better and cherished it. You're a bastard! Why didn't lightning strike you? How did you get a girlfriend like Dakota? What heinous crimes did she commit in her past life to deserve this?
Every time Isabella thought of Dakota treasuring the bracelet, she was furious. You were generous with Audrey, but stingy with Dakota. You think she's not good enough, huh? Why don't you fight for Audrey? She's been dropping hints, flaunting your love. You two shameless beings are a match made in heaven!
Worried Isabella might be too agitated, Alexander patted her head. He lamented Josiah and Audrey's underhanded actions.
It took time for Isabella to look at the screen again. She felt sympathy for Dakota, who was dealing not only with the bracelet but also the truth about Josiah and Audrey. Dakota could barely stand, stumbling backward as she stared at Audrey in disbelief.
"Youyou guys"
This is a significantly improved version. Note that some stylistic choices, like the repeated use of exclamation points, remain because they reflect the tone of the original text. If a more subdued tone was desired, those could be edited further.