The goldsmith held out a small, velvet-covered box, his hands trembling slightly as he offered it to Xanqer. Xanqer took the box, his fingers closing around it like a vice.

  As he opened the box, a faint gasp escaped the goldsmith's lips. The ring nestled in the box's center, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. The diamond, a brilliant, flawless oval, shone like a tiny star, surrounded by intricate filigree and delicate, golden curves.

  The goldsmith spoke up, his voice filled with pride and respect. "As you requested, Mr. Qren, I've used only the finest materials and techniques to create this piece. The diamond is a rare, internally flawless stone, with a clarity grade of IF and a color grade of D. The gold is 24-karat, carefully crafted to bring out the diamond's brilliance. I've also added a unique, micro-pavé setting, which gives the ring an extra touch of elegance and sophistication."

  Xanqer's expression remained impassive, but his eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze intensifying as he examined the ring.

  Xanqer's silence was oppressive, making the goldsmith fidget nervously. Davis, sensing the tension, stepped forward. "Mr. Qren, if I may say so, the ring is exquisite. The goldsmith has outdone himself."

  Xanqer's gaze flicked to Davis, his expression unreadable. Then, he returned his attention to the ring, his eyes scrutinizing every detail. The goldsmith held his breath, awaiting Xanqer's verdict.

  Finally, Xanqer spoke, his voice low and even. "It's... acceptable." The goldsmith felt relieved, but Xanqer continued, "I want it engraved. 'Meesha, forever mine.'"

  The goldsmith's eyes widened, and he nodded hastily. "Y-yes, Mr. Qren. I'll see to it immediately."

  Xanqer's gaze lingered on the ring, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Then, he looked up, his eyes locking onto the goldsmith. "I want it ready by tonight. Do you understand?"

  The goldsmith nodded vigorously, still looking a bit awestruck. "Y-yes, Mr. Qren. Tonight, without fail."

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  Xanqer nodded, a small, enigmatic smile still playing on his lips. "Good. Davis, see the goldsmith out."

  As Davis escorted the goldsmith from the room, the smile on his lips grew, and for a moment, his mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of the emotions beneath.

  *******

  Meesha's alarm rang by 10:30am, and her eyes slowly opened. She turned it off and sat up, realizing Xanqer had helped her set up the alarm.

  She chuckled, heading to the bathroom to take a shower. After, she got dressed in casual clothings, heading outside to meet her bodyguards already waiting for her.

  After seamless rounds of photoshoots with various designers, Meesha retired to the 'Jade Hunt venue', where her runway show would take place.

  She felt a thrill of excitement as she stepped into the building, her bodyguards following closely behind. She caught a glimpse of the runway and she felt overwhelmed by the appearance.

  It looked like an enchanted forest. The floor-to-ceiling screen behind played a serene video of a forest, complete with rocks, waterfalls, and towering trees that seemed to stretch up to the sky. The sound of gentle birdsong and rustling leaves filled the air, immersing the audience in the magical world.

  The runway itself was a masterpiece of design, with rocks and boulders placed artfully along the sides, and patches of lush green grass adding a pop of color to the plain white catwalk. The overall effect was one of whimsy and wonder, as if the audience had stumbled into a hidden glade deep in the heart of the forest.

  Backstage, Meesha's team was putting the final touches on her look. Her hair stylists had crafted a beautiful bun from her blonde wig, securing it with delicate pins that sparkled like diamonds in the light. Her makeup artists had worked their magic, creating a delicate, ethereal look that featured green glitter on the skin beside her eyes, and a subtle leaf-color eyeshadow that seemed to shimmer and glow in the light.

  Meesha's dress was the pièce de résistance – a stunning short green gown designed to resemble a living, breathing part of the forest. Fake green moss clung to the hem and sleeves, and delicate leaves seemed to sprout from the fabric itself, giving the illusion that Meesha was a forest sprite come to life.

  As Meesha slipped into the dress, her team erupted into oohs and ahhs of admiration. "You look like a real-life Tinkerbell!" one of the stylists exclaimed, while the makeup artist added, "That green glitter is everything – it's like your eyes are sparkling with magic!"

  The designer, who had created the dress, beamed with pride. "Meesha, you're making my design look even more beautiful than I imagined. You're a true forest fairy!"

  Meesha smiled, appreciating their compliments.

  As the soft music began to play, signaling the start of the show, Meesha took a deep breath and stepped out onto the runway. The audience gasped in unison as she appeared, their eyes drinking in the sight of her in all her forest finery.

  Jacinta and Brittney, standing at the far side of the stage, were stunned into silence. Jacinta's eyes narrowed, her face twisted with jealousy as she watched Meesha work the runway. She couldn't believe the attention Meesha was receiving – all these wealthy, famous, and influential people had come just to see her walk, and they had paid thousands of dollars for the privilege.

  As Meesha stopped at various points along the runway to pose for the cameras, Jacinta's envy boiled over, her fists clenching. "How does she do it?" she hissed to Brittney. "Why does everyone fawn all over her?"

  Brittney's eyes gleamed with malice. "Don't worry, Jacinta. We'll take care of Meesha soon enough. And when we do, she'll be the one who's left in the dust."

  Meesha, oblivious to the drama unfolding in the shadows, continued to dazzle the audience with her presence. She was a true forest fairy, and she had the crowd under her spell.