Inside a black velvet box was a unique ring, gleaming with a red gemstone as precious as any treasure and circled by 520 tiny diamonds glittering in the light. Each diamond was meticulously chosen to ensure a perfect fit within the setting. This red gem stood alone in its splendor, unmatched anywhere else in the world. Its worth was astronomical—over $3 billion in Venturian currency.

Madelyn finally drifted off to sleep. But suddenly, she felt the bed dipped beside her, and her hand was grasped; something cold slid onto her ring finger. Her eyes snapped open to find Zach sitting next to her, a ring with a sparkling red gemstone now on her finger. She quickly withdrew her hand and bolted upright.

"What's going on?" she asked, struggling to remove the ring from her finger.

Zach observed her attempt for a brief moment, then with a weary yet resonant voice, he said, "I'm proposing to you."

Surprise washed over Madelyn, and her fingers froze.

Zach's voice was gentle as he confided, "I'