The room erupted in awe as Hector’s smug smile grew. He glanced at me with a touch of scorn. “It’s not that expensive. It’s just over half a million dollars.”
“Half a million dollars isn’t expensive?!”
“No wonder you’re considered the most impressive man in our circle!”
Naomi’s face showed a flicker of interest.
Hector, ever the gentleman, approached her with a warm expression. “Naomi, let me help you with that.”
Naomi didn’t even look my way. She lowered her head, blushing slightly. “Is that alright?”
“Absolutely!” Hector said with a charming smile. “My Naomi is so beautiful. You’re the perfect match for Crystal Romance.”
He positioned himself behind Naomi, his arms encircling her neck as if embracing her. Naomi leaned into Hector, her face radiant with contentment and affection.
The glances directed at me were filled with scorn, derision, and contempt.
My Naomi.
I managed a bitter smile, collected the pieces of the grass necklace, and quietly walked away.
My departing figure must have looked like a stray dog, abandoned and forlorn.
Hector’s voice called out with a false note of concern. “Luke, where are you going? It was just a joke. Don’t take it personally.”
Naomi sneered, “Let him go! He’s a nobody!”
She lovingly touched the pendant around her neck.
Hector followed me, feigning worry.
“Luke, wait a minute!”
He grabbed my arm, his face showing faux remorse, but his voice was laced with venom. “Luke, you’re just a stray dog who got lucky Naomi ended up with you.”
“But don’t worry. Now that I’m back, I’ll be taking Naomi from you soon.”
“She was always meant to be mine!”
He whispered so only I could hear, then raised his voice. “Luke, I’ve known Naomi for over twenty years. Surely you can take a joke.”
“We used to sleep together. If all men were as petty as you, Naomi would have no freedom at all.”
“Why don’t you let off some steam? Yell at me or hit me if it helps.”
Hearing Hector’s taunts, Naomi snapped. She marched over in her high heels, pulled Hector behind her, and slapped me hard across the face.
The loud smack silenced the room, and everyone turned to watch with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
Naomi’s face was flushed with fury. “Luke! Have I really given you too much leeway?”
“You embarrassed me with a worthless grass necklace in front of my friends.”
“And now Hector offers such a generous gift, and you dare to hit him?”