A Fate Sealed with Gold

The opulent jewelry store sparkled around them, the sound of soft chatter and gentle clinking of glasses filling the air. Vanitas's eyes gleamed with excitement as he perused the exquisite collection of rings on display. Shizuo, still reeling from the events of the previous hour, felt like a pawn in a game he didn't understand. He was trapped, and Vanitas seemed to take great pleasure in his distress. The store assistant, a well-dressed man with a courteous smile, approached Vanitas. "Welcome, sir. How may I assist you today?" Vanitas's gaze swept the display case before coming to rest on the most expensive ring. "I'll take that one," he said, his voice confident. "This ring is perfect." The store assistant's eyes widened as he picked up the ring. "Ah, an excellent choice, sir. This is our most exclusive piece, a rare diamond encrusted in 18-karat gold." Vanitas smiled at Shizuo, his eyes shining with happiness. "You make a pretty wife, Shizuo," he said, his voice low and husky. "It's amazing and confusing why no one else tried to marry you. You're perfect." Shizuo felt a chill run down his spine as Vanitas wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him close. The ring sparkled in the light, a cold, unforgiving symbol of the fate that Vanitas had chosen for him. The store assistant, oblivious to the tension between them, continued to extol the virtues of the ring. "This ring is truly a masterpiece, sir. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the diamond is of the highest quality." Vanitas nodded, his eyes never leaving Shizuo's face. "I'll take it," he said, his voice firm. "And make sure it's sized to fit my... wife's finger." Shizuo's eyes widened in horror as Vanitas's words sank in. He was being treated like a possession, a trophy to be won and displayed. The thought sent a surge of adrenaline through his veins, and he steeled himself for the battle ahead. As the store assistant rang up the purchase, Vanitas's grip on Shizuo's waist tightened. Shizuo felt trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage. He knew he had to escape, but for now, he was at Vanitas's mercy. The store assistant handed Vanitas a velvet box, and he opened it, revealing the sparkling ring. Vanitas's smile grew wider as he slipped the ring onto Shizuo's finger. The metal felt cold against his skin, a constant reminder of the fate that awaited him. Shizuo's eyes locked onto the ring, his mind reeling with despair. He was trapped, and it seemed like there was no escape.