Chapter 7 Kneel And Apologize

Although Melany was smiling, her eyes betrayed her true feelings of resentment.

Melany had been on the receiving end of several slaps because of Noreen. She was not willing to forgive and forget anytime soon.

"How could she be buying a diamond ring? Her husband is just a car mechanic. How will they afford it? Noreen, even though Fraser dumped you, you shouldn't settle for a car mechanic." Gertie Lynch, Melany's best friend, joined in with a sneer.

"Be quiet, Gertie. What's wrong with being a car mechanic? You have no right to look down on others, especially as a NEET," Noreen said fiercely, standing in front of Henrik and pointing at Gertie.

She was determined to protect her husband from any kind of disrespect or humiliation.

Henrik was taken aback by Noreen's sudden outburst. He had always known her as a calm and collected person, and seeing her defend him so fiercely took him by surprise.

Observing her slender form, he felt a sense of tenderness in his heart.

As a child, Henrik had to fend for himself and had no one to protect him except for his grandfather.

"Noreen Wheeler!" Gertie narrowed her eyes at Noreen.

"Gertie, refrain from making such hurtful comments to Noreen. She might be hurt by your words, and we don't want that to happen," Melany interjected, her expression filled with sorrow.

"If you're unable to afford it, I could lend you some money, Noreen. I only have limited pocket money, though, so I won't be able to lend you too much. Nonetheless, I think this ring would suit you well." Melany extended the cheapest ring to Noreen as she spoke.

Noreen rebuffed Melany's kind offer, gently but firmly pushing her hand away.

"Noreen?" Melany called out.

"Noreen, what on earth do you think you're doing? Melany was offering to help you out of kindness, yet you reject it. You are so poor, yet you cannot even appreciate a kind gesture. Don't you know your own economic level?" Gertie scolded, pointing her finger at Noreen's nose.

"Watch your mouth." Henrik's cold voice cut through the air like a sharp knife.

Gertie quivered as she faced his strong and intimidating presence. Melany instinctively stepped back, feeling the tension rise.

Melany's eyes fixated on Henrik's chiseled features, and for a moment, she lost herself in his stunning appearance.

Despite Henrik's handsome appearance, Melany couldn't help but feel a twinge of disdain toward him, knowing that he was just a car mechanic.

When she heard that Noreen had married a man of such lowly stature, Melany felt a sense of satisfaction.

It would have been even better if Noreen had married a disabled man, but at least she ended up with someone who was poor.

"Kindly allow my wife to try on that ring." Henrik gestured to the expensive ring displayed on the counter.

Gertie sneered, "Can you even afford it? Stop pretending to be rich. It's ridiculous."

"The ring is quite expensive. If it gets damaged or lost, it will be a financial burden for you," Melany commented.

Henrik paid no attention to them. Instead, he picked up the ring and gently took hold of Noreen's hand.

"Henrik... Are you sure?" Noreen said hesitantly, withdrawing her hand.

The size of the diamond on the ring was remarkable, indicating that its value must have been at least 800 thousand.

The amount was undoubtedly beyond their current financial means.

"Trust me." Henrik said, his voice both firm and gentle, as he sensed her hesitation.

As Noreen gazed into his eyes, her rational mind warned her against trusting him, but for some reason, she found herself feeling a sense of relief.

Henrik took the ring and slipped it onto her finger.

Her slender fingers were adorned with a stunning diamond ring, a sight that delighted the onlookers.

While not the most luxurious jewelry he had ever seen, it was undoubtedly the finest piece in the shopping mall.

"Sir..." The saleswoman, overhearing their conversation, assumed that Henrik might not be able to afford the ring and forced a smile.

"Pay by card." Henrik confidently took out his bank card and gave it to the saleswoman.

"Do you even have 800 thousand?" Gertie couldn't imagine how a mere car mechanic could afford such an expensive ring.

Melany waited in anticipation, hoping that Henrik would be embarrassed when the transaction didn't go through due to insufficient funds.

"Would you like to make a bet?" Henrik said to Gertie coldly.

Gertie hesitated for a moment, her fear of Henrik conflicting with her stubbornness. Eventually, she mustered the courage to challenge him. "And what would you like to bet on?"

"If I prove that I can afford it, will you kneel and apologize to my wife?"

"Sure. I don't think a poor man like you can really afford 800 thousand!"

As soon as Gertie finished speaking, a beep signaled the successful payment.

"Kneel!" After the payment was successful, Henrik put away his card and looked at Gertie coldly.

Seeing the look in his eyes, Gertie felt ashamed and knelt down in humiliation, biting her lip and with tears in her eyes.