My fiancé, David, proposed to me by the sea, and I didn’t hesitate to say “YES!” When he slipped the ring onto my finger, my heart began to beat wildly. Perhaps there was nothing unusual in such a moment, right? Except for the fact that it was my father’s long-lost family ring.
David and I met at a cozy seaside resort. The waves gently lapped the shore, and the scent of saltwater filled the air. I fell in love with David at first sight. We spent hours walking along the beach and talking about our dreams. As the days passed, our bond grew stronger, and we couldn’t imagine being apart.
Three months after our first meeting, David suggested a beach picnic. We spread out a blanket, and he unpacked a basket filled with our favorite snacks. The sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.
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“Odri,” David began, his voice soft but steady, “these past few months have been the happiest of my life. I can’t imagine my future without you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.
“Will you marry me?”
My heart raced with joy.
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“Yes, David, I will!” I exclaimed, barely able to contain my excitement.
David slipped the ring onto my finger. But as soon as I saw it, my excitement turned to shock. The ring looked incredibly familiar. I felt a rush of memories, but I kept my face neutral.
“David, this ring… it’s beautiful. Where did you get it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
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David smiled.
“It’s a family heirloom. My mother passed it down to me. She said it belonged to my father, though I don’t remember him.”
I nodded, forcing a smile.
“It’s lovely. Thank you, David.”
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This ring—it was unmistakably my father’s. But how did David end up with MY father’s ring?!
Inside, I was a whirlwind of emotions. Questions flooded my mind, but I knew I couldn’t ask them now. Not here, not now. I didn’t want to ruin this moment.
I needed time to think and to understand. I needed answers, but I had to find them on my own. The rest of the evening was a blur.
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Once the picnic was over, David drove me back home.
“Goodnight, Odri,” he said softly. “I can’t wait to start our future together.”
“Goodnight, David,” I replied, though my voice was tinged with uncertainty. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” he said, giving me a warm smile before leaving.
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***
As soon as I was alone, I sat on the edge of my bed, turning the ring over and over in my hands. Memories of my mother flooded back—her laughter, her warmth, and the day she showed me this ring. She said it was my dad’s family heirloom, the one he proposed to her with.
It was late, but I couldn’t wait. I called my father.
“Dad, I need to talk to you. It’s important.”
His voice was filled with concern.
“Odri, is everything okay? Do you need help?”
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“I’m fine. Sorry for calling so late. I just… I need to see you. I’ll come over in the morning.”
“Alright, sweetheart,” he said gently. “I’ll be here. Try to get some rest.”
“I’ll try. Goodnight, Dad.”
“Goodnight, Odri. I love you.”
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the ring still clutched in my hand. My mind was racing, and sleep seemed impossible. The questions inside my head kept me awake, and I glanced at the clock repeatedly.
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***
The next morning, I drove to my father’s house. Upon arriving, we sat in the living room together, enjoying a morning tea.
“Dad, I have some news,” I began, trying to keep my voice steady. “David proposed to me last night.”
My father’s face lit up.
“That’s wonderful, Odri! David is such a wonderful young man. I’m so happy for you!”
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I smiled.
“Thanks, Dad. But I want you to look closely at this ring.”
I placed the ring in front of him. His expression shifted from joy to shock as he examined it closely.
“This… this is without a doubt our family ring. The one I proposed to your mother with.”
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I took a deep breath and asked, “How could David have it?”
My father sighed deeply. “Many years ago, when your mother was still alive, the ring disappeared. We had a maid working for us at the time. Things were often missing—small amounts of money, your mother’s dress, even groceries. After we fired her, everything stopped disappearing.”
He paused, lost in thought.
“What was her name again… Ursula. Yes, that was it.”
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“Ursula?” I repeated. “Are you sure, Dad?”
“Yes, does that name mean something to you?”
I shook my head quickly. “I’m not sure. I need to go now, Dad. I have to prepare for the engagement party.”
I knew the name very well, unlike my father, who had been forgetting things lately. But I didn’t want to show my suspicions.
Dad nodded slowly, still staring at the ring.
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