The next morning, sunlight streamed into the bedroom and landed right on Alina’s face. She groaned and turned away… but her fingers brushed against something smooth and cool.

Opening her eyes, she saw the diamond ring on her left hand glittering in the light. For a moment, she just stared at it and smiled like she was still in a dream.

“It’s so beautiful,” she whispered, her smile growing.

From the kitchen came the sound of dishes clattering and voices talking. Curious, ...