"Breaking: Killian Barnes, president of the Barnes Group of Companies, has purchased a ten-carat pink diamond necklace for 800 million US dollars at the world’s most exclusive auction. Sources reveal the necklace, a former royal collection, is one of the rarest in existence. When asked about the extravagant purchase, Mr. Barnes replied, ‘My wife loves pink.’"
The broadcast triggered delighted gasps from a nearby pair of girls.
"Oh my god! Mr. Barnes and Penelope are living the fairy-tale romance of my dreams!" one squealed.
"Right? Remember when Penelope joked about wanting the stars for her birthday, and Mr. Barnes bought the naming rights to an entire star field just for her? It’s like a movie!"
"Don’t forget, they’ve been together since college! From campus sweethearts to wedding bliss… Ugh, I’m so jealous. Where can I find a husband like Mr. Barnes?"
Their giddy chatter continued, but I felt nothing but bitter irony.
Yes, Killian and I had been college classmates. He’d been captivated by me from the moment I sang at the freshman welcome party. He pursued me relentlessly, the heir of the Barnes Group of Companies, determined to win me over.
I, however, wanted no part of his privileged, gilded life. I rejected him more times than I could count.
But Killian was never one to give up easily. He pursued me relentlessly for four years, undeterred by my rejections. Finally, on the night of his senior year, he showed up at my door, drunk and vulnerable.
"Penelope," he pleaded, his voice cracking as tears streamed down his face, "please give me a chance. Let me stay by your side and love you the way you deserve. I swear, you’ll be the only woman I’ll ever cherish, the most beloved in my life."
Despite the disheveled state he was in—his nose running and tears mingling with the alcohol on his breath—his eyes held a sincerity that was impossible to ignore. They shone with a love so pure it made me pause.
And in that moment, I nodded. I said yes.
At our wedding, he recounted the story to everyone, his voice filled with pride and emotion. "From this day forward, Penelope and I are not just partners in life—we’re husband and wife, bound by love and law! I promise we’ll love each other forever!"
The applause that followed was deafening, echoing through the grand hall as family and friends celebrated our union.