I gave her a small smile, patting the back of his hand.
"Kenneth," I said quietly, "I spent ten years on the street. You think I'm the kind of guy who lets things slide? They said they've got a gift for me. That's fine. But at Archie's homecoming party?"
I met her eyes.
"I'll bring one of my own."
...
Later that week, the night of the homecoming party finally arrived.
Starlight Heights was overflowing with people. The estate's driveway was packed with luxury cars—Bentleys, Maybachs, and Rolls-Royces lined up like a damn auto show.
Inside, the grand hall buzzed with high society chatter, champagne clinks, and fake laughs.
An eighteen-meter crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, glimmering like a spiral galaxy. The polished marble floors looked like still water beneath them. Satin banners swayed from the tall walls, catching the breeze from open glass doors leading to a candlelit terrace.
And right in the center of it all, bold and gaudy as hell, a wide red banner stretched across the hall:
[Welcome Home, Mr. Archie Branson. Congratulations on Your Triumphant Return!]
“Congratulations to Mr. Archie Branson on returning home after completing his studies abroad.”
Margaux navigated through the crowd, arm in arm with Archie, looking the perfect host in a dark, intricately patterned gown. The chandelier above them cast a gentle glow that illuminated the matching rings on Archie’s finger—rings from the Queen’s Auction. Rare. Exclusive. Priceless.
And not meant for me.
Even though I had already accepted that her love was never truly mine, a dull pressure still tightened in my chest. It was an old wound, but seeing that ring brought the ache back as if it had never left.
I remembered the day I once tried it on.
The ring had barely slid onto my finger before Margaux’s eyes locked onto me, her face twisted in outrage. She stormed over, grabbed my wrist like she’d just caught me cheating, her grip so tight her hand shook.
“Take it off. Now,” Margaux snapped.
Startled, I fumbled to pull it off and placed it carefully back in the safe.
My voice came out defensive and confused. “I was just trying it on. That’s all.”
Her expression didn’t soften at all. In fact, it got colder. “Haven’t I told you not to touch my things? Try it again, and don’t blame me when I lose it.”