Fate | Jenlisa

Chapter 27

Lisa's POV

The ring feels heavy in my pocket, like it's made of lead instead of gold. I've held it countless times in the past weeks, studying the engraving and trying to make sense of it. Ruby Jane. Two simple words that have become the center of everything falling apart.

Jennie's voice echoes in my head: "Why did you do this to me?" The pain in her eyes was a dagger, and I can't pull it out. Not until I find the truth.

The engraving doesn't make sense. I had ordered a custom ring for Jennie—something unique, something that symbolized her and everything she means to me. The name Ruby Jane should never have been there. But now, that name—her twin sister's name—has become the wedge driving us apart.

I start at the only place I can think of: the jeweler's shop. The ring wasn't new when I gave it to Jennie; it was supposed to be crafted from scratch, just as I had specified. Back then, I thought it was a perfect way to show Jennie how much she meant to me. Now, it's a cruel reminder of everything I've managed to ruin.

The bell above the door jingles as I step into the dimly lit shop. The air smells faintly of polished wood and metal. Behind the counter, the jeweler, a meticulous man in his sixties, greets me with a polite smile.

"How can I help you today?" he asks, his voice warm but professional.

I pull the ring out of my pocket and place it on the counter. "I ordered this ring from you a while back. It was supposed to be custom-made for Jennie. But..." I hesitate, my voice shaking. "It has someone else's name on it. Ruby Jane. Can you explain that?"

He picks it up, his expert eyes narrowing as he examines the engraving under the magnifying glass. A flicker of recognition crosses his face. "Ah. Yes, this piece. I remember it well," he says, setting it back down carefully. "But I'm afraid there might have been a mix-up during production."

My chest tightens. "A mix-up? How does that happen?"

He sighs, adjusting his glasses. "It's rare, but not impossible. We sometimes receive instructions indirectly through assistants or intermediaries. This particular order came from someone named Elena, who handled the customization details on your behalf."

My stomach drops. "Elena?" The name rings a bell. Elena was my secretary's assistant. I had entrusted my secretary with the details of the order, assuming everything would be handled perfectly. But now, this name feels like a red flag.

"Yes," the jeweler continues, flipping through his records. "She provided very specific instructions for the engraving. She was adamant about the name Ruby Jane."

"That's impossible," I mutter. "I never approved that."

The jeweler shrugs apologetically. "I'm just relaying what was given to us. If there was an error, it might have happened at her end."

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Thank you. That's all I needed to know."

Back in my apartment, I pace the floor, my mind racing. Elena. Why would she change the engraving? Was it a mistake, or was there something deliberate behind it? I pick up my phone and dial a number I haven't used in a while—one of my trusted private investigators.

"I need you to look into someone for me," I say when he picks up. "Her name is Elena. She's my secretary's assistant. Find out everything you can about her and if she's connected to Ruby Jane in any way."

Two days later, I get the report. As I read through the details, a chill runs down my spine. Elena had been paid off by Ruby Jane—a substantial amount, enough to ensure she followed through with the engraving instructions. The betrayal hits me like a punch to the gut. Ruby Jane had orchestrated this, using Elena to drive a wedge between Jennie and me.

Fury simmers beneath the surface as I storm into my office the next day. My secretary, oblivious to the chaos brewing, greets me with a smile.

"Where's Elena?" I demand.

He blinks, taken aback. "She's... in the break room. Is something wrong?"

"Bring her to my office. Now."

Minutes later, Elena stands before me, her nervous energy filling the room. "Ms. Lisa, is everything okay?" she asks, her voice trembling.

I slam the report onto the desk. "Care to explain this?"

Her face pales as she scans the documents. "I... I don't know what you mean..."

"Don't play dumb with me," I snap. "You took money from Ruby Jane to sabotage the ring. Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Tears well up in her eyes. "I... I didn't have a choice. She threatened me. She said if I didn't do it, she'd..."

"Save it," I cut her off, my voice cold. "Pack your things. You're fired. And if I find out you've had any further contact with Ruby Jane, I won't hesitate to take legal action."

As she leaves, her shoulders slumped, I feel a hollow satisfaction. One problem is solved, but the bigger issue remains: fixing what's broken between Jennie and me. I pick up the ring, the engraving still mocking me, and vow to make things right.

Ruby Jane may have tried to tear us apart, but I won't let her win. Jennie deserves the truth, and I'll give it to her—no matter what it takes.

"Two rings, two names, two stories—a past I can't erase and a future I refuse to lose."

- Lisa

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Hey guys, after a long time!! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. (●'◡'●)

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