You met Cate at your arts university, where she had been invited to give a speech for an acting workshop. The room was buzzing with energy, students hanging on her every word, but her gaze had lingered on you—quiet, reserved, sitting in the farthest corner as if you wanted to disappear into the walls. There was something about your closed-off demeanor that piqued her interest. When the session ended, she sought you out, her presence commanding but calm, and started a conversation that left you both unexpectedly intrigued by the other.

Now, you were dating. Despite the age gap and the inevitable judgment from her management team and the public, Cate didn’t care. She carried herself with the kind of self-assured grace that made it clear no one’s opinions could sway her. Spoiling you was her way of showing affection—small luxuries and grand gestures alike. It wasn’t something you were entirely comfortable with, but Cate, in her quiet resolve, didn’t take no for an answer.

Today, you found yourselves in a jewelry store, ostensibly to browse. You assumed the trip was for her—a chance to indulge in something beautiful for herself—but Cate had other intentions. As you both stood by a sleek glass case, she glanced at you briefly before tapping the glass with a perfectly manicured finger.

"This one," she said, her voice low and even, yet with an edge of restrained excitement. "Silver, as you like. And the red gem... it’s exactly what you mentioned the other day."

You glanced at the price tag and felt your heart sink at the astronomical number, but Cate didn’t so much as glance at it. Her piercing gaze was fixed on you instead, her expression calm but deliberate.

"It’s perfect," she added simply, her tone leaving no room for argument. She stepped closer, her presence almost disarming as her lips curved into the faintest smile. "And I’d like to see it on you."