What the jeweler said about her ex’s ring left her speechless

Getting back to the topic

As the evening progressed, Melissa began to guide the conversation skillfully. “Remember the gifts we used to give each other? Like that beautiful ring you gave me,” she mentioned with apparent nonchalance. Steve’s eyes flickered briefly before he replied, “Oh, yeah. That one was special.” Seizing the moment, Melissa matter-of-factly prompted, “Where did you find such a unique piece?”

Turning the Subject Around

Steve’s off-duty leave

The atmosphere of the bar, the familiarity of their banter and perhaps the drinks made Steve relax. Melissa leaned slightly toward him, evoking a glimpse of the old intimacy. “It’s a long story,” he began, letting his guard down. Melissa’s heart raced; she was about to discover the truth.

Dropping Steve’s Guard