Chapter 204 - How many children do you want? (1/2)

”Uhm... do you know why, when people get married, usually the wife wears a wedding ring and not the man?” Caspar asked again.

”Uhmm... because the circle-shaped ring has no end, signifying the bond of love without end?” Finland asked. ”I read that somewhere...”

Caspar chuckled. At first, he seemed hesitant to continue speaking, but when he saw Finland's curious gaze, he finally explained.

”In ancient times, men tied the women who belonged to them with a rope so that the women would not run away. It was a way to show ownership. As time passed, the practice was considered inhumane and the bind was made smaller; only the legs, then finally only the fingers. The act was then romanticized by the Greeks, who turned it into the symbol of love. They placed a ring on the ring finger because it was said that the ring finger had blood vessels connected directly to the heart... They also said that the circle was a symbol of endless love and blah blah blah... In reality, it was just a substitute symbol for rope ties in ancient times.”

Caspar smiled awkwardly and shrugged when he saw Finland's shocked expression, ”Sorry, but that's the true story. The ring used to be a symbol of ownership. It later became a common practice throughout the world - the women who wore a ring on her ring finger already had an 'owner' so that other men don't try to pursue the women. Now, many couples both wear rings, to confirm that the man also has an owner. Yes, it is because of emancipation in modern times...”

”Jeez...” Finland looked at the beautiful pink diamond ring from Caspar that rested around her ring finger. ”Then, what is this? A sign of ownership too? Is this to show that I am yours?”

For a moment Finland felt disappointed because the ring turned out to have a sexist history. It was a sign of a man's ownership of the woman who became his wife.

Right now, she was wearing a ring from Caspar, while the man's hands were clear of any rings...

”Of course you are mine, with or without a ring, just as I am yours.” Caspar said quickly, ”Don't be silly. I gave you the ring because I thought it would look beautiful around your finger. I would never bind you literally nor figuratively with any symbol. When you left me three years ago, I didn't force you to stay either, did I?”

Finland confirmed Caspar's words.

Ah, so this ring was just a sign of his love, not a sign of a bond. The thought made her feel a little relieved. She remembered that Caspar always respected her wishes.

In the past, when Finland insisted that Caspar should not use his extraordinary access to find information about her, the man kept his promise. He did not even insist on going after Finland, who wanted to leave him, even though he loved the girl very much and suffered badly during the 3 years when they were not together.

Thinking about this made Finland feel touched.

”I love you...” said Finland. ”I'm yours... with or without a ring or whatever... I wish I could live forever beside you, raising our children and seeing them live happily.”

Caspar turned towards Finland with a face of filled with emotion. He grabbed her left hand and kissed her.

”I love you too. I will respect you and take care of you and our children forever...”

Finland looked down happily. She was always happy to hear the statement of love from Caspar, which came out aplenty from his lips.

”Uhm… how many children do you want to have?” Finland asked.

”Uhm... ten?” Caspar answered in a mischievous voice.

”Gosh! Caspar! Do you think I'm a child-producing machine?” Finland asked angrily.