The Diamond RING

Mel never could keep a secret – but this one was different

Another shop is closing, Mum,’ Annabel said to her mother, not looking up from her mobile phone. ‘There won’t be any shops left before we know it. Just a street full of cafes and restaurants.’

‘Which one is it this time?’ Mel replied with a sigh, while taking a sip of her tea.

‘Newton & Co Jewellers.’

‘Oh no, not that one,’ Mel let out a deeper sigh.

Annabel looked up at her mother. ‘Isn’t that the jewellery store where you met Dad?’

Mel nodded. She had been working there as a part-time assistant while studying at university to be a nurse.

‘I still say it’s the most romantic story I’ve ever heard,’ Annabel said, smiling. ‘It’s like something out of a soap opera or a Hollywood film. Life just doesn’t happen like that anymore.’

‘Don’t be so negative, Annabel,’ Mel said. ‘Just because a lot of relationships start online nowadays doesn’t mean they’re not romantic. Look at you and Adam.’

Annabel nodded. ‘True, Adam really is the most romantic man I’ve ever met, but when people ask how we got together, it doesn’t sound overly exciting. And I never get the same reaction as you and Dad.’

That night Mel lay in bed listening to the low rumble of her husband John’s snores. She stared into the darkness, wide awake. She kept thinking about how sad it was that the jewellery shop was closing. It had been the start of everything. She shut her eyes and let her mind drift back to the day her life changed forever...