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Edith walked slowly back to her room, still feeling as if everything around her was unreal. However, what appeared before her eyes was a scene even more like an illusion.

Andre had been waiting in her room, and as she entered, he turned around with a smile. He approached her, dropping to one knee before her, and gently opened a tiny, delicate box made of black velvet.

Inside lay a ring adorned with an embedded ruby, shimmering brilliantly in the glow of the candlelight.

"We once dreamt of bestowing upon each other tranquil happiness in a peaceful republic," he spoke, each word brimming with deep affection. Yet, that affection was not one of joy but carried a hint of sorrow.

"But the current state of revolution has left me deeply unsettled. I seek only one promise from you, my beloved Edith! With this promise, I can continue to hold steadfast to all that I believe in. As long as there is still a glimmer of dawn ahead, no danger shall be daunting to me!"

It had been several days since she last spoke to him, but in this moment, he seemed to pretend that everything were as it used to be. Seeing her silence, Andre cautiously took out the diamond ring, tenderly pulling her fingers.

Edith''s hand instinctively recoiled, barely noticeable. "Where did you get such a valuable?" she asked.

He hesitated, his gaze falling downward, and whispered, "It''s nothing more than a replica."

"But it''s so fresh red!" she murmured, gazing at the resplendent gem.

"I thought you would appreciat