When I came out wearing them, I finally understood his real plan.
Everyone’s eyes fell on the scars covering my body. Gasps spread through the room.
“Oh my God, is he really wearing that outfit for this event? Ugh, so disgusting — I think I’m going to lose my appetite.”
“Johnny just got out of prison. I heard he didn’t behave inside and got punished badly. Honestly, he deserved it, after what he did to Mr. White.”
“Honestly, how could someone like that deserve Director Bloom's hand in marriage? Mr. White and Director Bloom look much better together. Even though his leg is bad, he’s got that angelic face—unlike a certain unlawful guy over there. Director Bloom must've been wanting to get away from him.”
“Please don’t say that. My brother already knows his mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance.” Timothy blushed shyly, but his voice remained gentle and understanding.
He added, “And really, you can't compare me with Johnny? Stephanie even bought him a beautiful diamond watch. I’m nothing compared to him.”
He truly knew how to make himself look innocent and pitiful.
One of Stephanie’s business partners, who had never met me before, looked me up and down.
First his gaze stopped on Timothy, then turned toward me, full of disgust.
“Director Bloom, did I hear that right? That ugly criminal is actually his fiancé?”
Stephanie and I looked at each other quietly. A few seconds later, she turned her eyes away. “No, we were just a childhood friend.”
Those words were no different from announcing our breakup in public.
The whole room immediately burst into cheers for Stephanie and Timothy. “What a perfect couple! Just get together already!”
The other audiences nodded in agreement.
“I knew it! A beautiful woman like you, with that gorgeous diamond watch, could only be matched with a handsome man like Mr. White.”
That diamond watch finally ended up on Timothy’s wrist.
“Ah, Stephanie, this isn’t right,” he said shyly. “That was supposed to be for Johnny…”
“It’s fine,” Stephanie interrupted softly. “They’re right. It really suits you. I must have chosen the wrong gift for John. Take it as a reward.”
A reward? For Timothy helping her save face, she meant?
Then a guy from the audience looked at me with open disgust. “Why is this man still here? Director Bloom, someone that ugly will only ruin my mood for our business occassion.”