Luxury cars lined the lot, polished and gleaming under the evening lights. Their attire spoke of success and life had treated them well from how they carried themselves.
Seeing them thriving, I felt a quiet sense of happiness for them.
Just as I was about to greet them, someone spotted me first.
But there was no warm welcome, no familiar smiles. Instead, their gazes shifted, filled with something else: mockery.
Before the silence could settle, an engine's deep, guttural roar sliced through the air and a silver Bugatti Veyron glided into the parking lot, its presence commanding attention.
A man stepped out of the car, his custom-tailored suit perfectly sculpted. With a casual flick of his wrist, a million-dollar watch caught the light, glinting like a silent proclamation of power. His mere presence commanded attention.
"President Bennett is here!"
"Ah, Thorne Bennett! You finally made it! We’ve been talking about you all evening."
"Look over there, Thorne! Our former class genius showed up too and came in a taxi."
No one spared me a second glance. The crowd surged toward Thorne instead, their enthusiasm palpable.
Back in high school, Thorne had been the wealthiest among us, the golden boy with everything handed to him. He was also once my rival in love.
His gaze swept over me, filled with thinly veiled disdain. Then, with a smirk of feigned ignorance, he tilted his head.
"Who’s this? Oh, it’s Cassius Parker. What are you even wearing? Even the waiters here dress better. And that hair, what is that supposed to be?"
Was I dressed that poorly?
I glanced at myself. I was wearing a government-issued executive jacket, crisp and dignified and my hair was parted neatly in a standard 3/7 style. I was professional and respectful.
And yet, to them, I was nothing more than an afterthought.
With my line of work, wearing a luxury suit worth tens of thousands or sporting some flashy, high-end hairstyle wasn’t an option.
"Cassius, you used to be the top student. How did you end up like this?"
"Look at us; we all have cars now. At the very least, an Audi A6. And you? Not even a single ride to your name?"
"No car is one thing, but couldn’t you have at least booked a premium ride instead of hailing a regular taxi?"
"Taking a taxi is not bad enough, but couldn’t you have tried to dress up?"