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This story is a translation from another language. I do not claim any credits. Few changes may take place, but the universal meaning stays the same. If you have any suggestion based on my grammar, language usage or any corrections, please contact me.

The Diamond Ring

"50 years ago, I was 17 years old. I am the daughter of a peasant in France. My father sent me away to be a servant in Queen Marie Antoinette court. It was absolutely marvelous! I have enough to eat and warm cloth to wear. One lady in her court was my age, and we became quick friends. Her name was Duchess Marina. When the duchess was betrothed to Count Geoffrey, they decided to travel to London. Her older brother Richard and his friend Peter were to come with us.
At that time, I am very beautiful. I envied Duchess. Born in a noble family and already betrothed to a Count. I thought that a person's fate is sealed by birth, and I simply cannot ever live in luxury. But I never dreamed that her brother would fell in love with me. When we were returning from London, Richard told me his feelings. Because almost every lady in the Queen's court like him, he thought that I ought to like him too. True, I like his courage, generosity and luxury. But I know that it is all because of his family.
Actually, I think Peter is more striking. His deep, confident and determinated gaze let my heart thump. But he didn't say anything to me.
When we got back to Paris, Richard sent words to my father. All of my relatives and friends were overjoyed. Imagine! A mere servant girl like me could live without worry! Among the gifts for me was a ring with a magnificent diamond on top. According to Richard's servant, it was made just for me from Paris. The gleaming gem helped me to make up my mind - I will accept his proposal. Later that night, a girl passed me a note. It was from Peter. I went to meet him. He told me that there are two reasons why he chose to remain silence. First, Richard was his friend. Secondly, his family is not as rich as Richard's. But he also told me that he love me more than anything else.
I started to cry. I told him that it is not because of the money, but the opportunity. If I have a chance to step into nobility, why should I give it up? Then I showed him my new diamond ring, telling him that I never dreamed that I could wear diamond, but Richard gave it to me.
Peter looked pale. He wished me happiness.

Many years later, the dreaded French Revolution began. Because of Richard's family background, we could not escape any riot. Richard ended up in the same gallow that our Queen was beheaded. All he left me was a daughter and a son, and that fateful ring. I sew it in my coat, viewing it as the most priceless treasure I own.
When my son grew up, he decided to start a small business in the outskirt of Paris. He still needs money to open his store. I decided to sell the precious diamond ring. I thought, if this ring can help my son, then I would die without regret.
But the diamond I treasured so much was a fake.
I fall ill, full of despair to life. Just then, someone knocked on my door.
He was Peter. We parted for more than forty years.
He was old, even more frail and wrinkled than I. But his eyes did not change. It had the same depth I saw when I was 17.
He said that after the Revolution, he went on a cargo ship, and landed in Africa because someone told him that it is where diamonds were mined. He stayed in South Africa for 30 years. Some of his companions left for France, others died there. He was able to overcome these horrible years because he has a belief in his heart, which is to bring back a big diamond for the girl I loved.
He took out a beautiful diamond ring, insisting me to wear it.
He forgot that age had made my fingers rough and thick. None of my fingers were small enough to fit inside such small ring.
I started to cry, seeing all these years passed from our life.
This is fate. When you found what is truly belonging to you, you realize that age had taken you, and it doesn't matter any more."
The old woman dried her tears, and took off her necklace. I stared in amazement. There was the most elegant diamond ring on it. The old man who sat next to her was Peter.
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