The rejected ring - S01 E03

Story 1 month ago

The rejected ring - S01 E03

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 3

Episode Three

Evelyn could not sleep that night. She lay on her bed, turning from side to side. The picture of Benjamin driving a fine black Toyota kept flashing in her mind. His words were still ringing in her ears:

“Yes. This is my car. In fact, I have two. I wanted to give one to you as a wedding gift. But since you rejected me, I parked it at home.”

Evelyn covered her face with her pillow. “Oh God, what have I done? I rejected a rich man thinking he was poor,” she said to herself.

She remembered the cheap silver ring and how she mocked it. She thought it was all Benjamin could afford. She thought he was still struggling. But now she knew the truth. He had money. He had cars. He had built a new life for himself.

“Why did he hide everything from me? Why did he allow me to suffer in ignorance?” she whispered to herself.

Her heart was restless. She decided that the only way to find peace was to see Benjamin and talk to him. She would beg him. She would tell him she was ready to marry him.

The next day, Evelyn dressed well and went to Benjamin’s restaurant.

When she arrived, she was shocked. The old place she used to know was gone.

In its place was a new, modern building with a bright signboard in front. There were big glass doors, shining tiles, and comfortable chairs inside. The place was filled with customers. The air conditioners were blowing cold air.

Evelyn stood at the entrance with her mouth wide open. “Is this the same restaurant? Is this really Benjamin’s place?” she asked herself.

She walked inside slowly, looking around. Waiters in uniforms were serving food. Customers were laughing and enjoying themselves. Everything looked different.

Then she saw Benjamin standing behind the counter, smiling and talking with a group of customers. He was wearing a neat shirt and trousers. His wristwatch was glittering. He looked more handsome than she had ever seen him.

Evelyn’s heart beat fast. She gathered courage and walked to him.

“Benjamin, can I talk to you?” she asked softly.

Benjamin looked at her. He was calm. “Evelyn, what are you doing here?” he asked.

“I came to see you. Please, can we talk in private?” she said.

Benjamin nodded slowly. “Alright. Follow me.” He led her to a small office at the back of the restaurant.

Inside the office, Evelyn sat down. Her hands were shaking. She looked around the office. It was well furnished with a table, chairs, and a small fridge.

Benjamin sat opposite her. He folded his arms. “So, Evelyn, what do you want to talk about?” he asked.

Evelyn took a deep breath. “Benjamin, I was shocked to see you driving that car yesterday. And now I am shocked to see your restaurant looking like this. How did you do it? Where did you get the money?” she asked.

Benjamin looked straight into her eyes. “I have been saving for many years. Every day I worked in this restaurant, I put money aside. I lived simple so that nobody would know. My plan was to marry you, and together we would manage the restaurant and live a better life,” he said with a calm tone.

Evelyn’s mouth opened. She covered her face with her hand. “So you were not poor? You had money all this while?” she asked.

Benjamin nodded. “Yes. Apart from this restaurant, I also own a supermarket. It is under the care of my staff. And I have been building a good future quietly. But I never told you because I wanted to surprise you after marriage,” he said.

Evelyn gasped. “A supermarket? And I never knew? Oh Benjamin!” she exclaimed.

Benjamin shook his head. “You never asked. You only saw what you wanted to see. You judged me by the size of my restaurant and the cheap ring I bought. You never believed in me,” he said.

Evelyn leaned forward. Her eyes were filled with tears. “Benjamin, I was wrong. Please forgive me. I did not know you had all these. If I knew, I would not have rejected you,” she said with a shaky voice.

Benjamin’s face was calm, but his heart was burning. “So if you had known I had money, you would have said yes to me? Evelyn, what about love? What about all the years we shared? Was your love for me tied only to money?” he asked.

Evelyn wiped her eyes. “Benjamin, I was afraid. I did not want to suffer. That was why I said no. But now I am ready to accept your proposal. I am ready to marry you,” she said quickly.

Benjamin raised his eyebrows. “What about the rich man you wanted to marry? Where is he?” he asked.

Evelyn’s face fell. She sighed. “I found out that he already has three wives. He wanted me to be his fourth wife. I cannot do that. That was why I rejected him,” she said.

Benjamin shook his head slowly. “So you rejected me because you thought I was poor. And then you ran to another man because you thought he was rich. And now you are back to me because you discovered I am rich too. Evelyn, don’t you see the problem?” he asked.

Evelyn bent her head in shame. “Benjamin, I know I made a mistake. Please, forgive me. Take me back. Give me another chance. I will be a good wife to you. Please,” she begged.

Benjamin stood up from his chair. He walked to the window and looked outside. His hands were in his pocket. He was quiet for a while. Then he turned back to her.

“Evelyn, I loved you with all my heart. I waited for you for eight years. I planned my life around you. I wanted to give you everything I had. But you threw me away because you thought I was poor. You broke me. You wounded me. And now, after discovering the truth, you want to come back?” he said with a firm voice.

Evelyn stood up quickly. She went closer to him. She held his hand. “Benjamin, please don’t say that. I know I hurt you. But people make mistakes. Give me another chance. Please don’t push me away. I still love you,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Benjamin gently removed his hand from hers. He shook his head slowly. His voice was calm but final.

“Evelyn, it is too late. I have moved on.”

To be continued