The woman stood right in front of the car, her heels clicking on the floor. She crossed her arms tight, like a wall blocking him. She didn’t have to say much, because her body were already saying don’t touch. “If you even think about touching this,” she said cold, “you probably can’t pay to fix it.” Ethan stopped, his hand hanging near the door. His eyebrows pulled together a bit. Ethan was so shocked and embarrassed at her words. “I wasn’t touching it,” he said softly. She laughed, quiet and mean. “Yeah, right. And I’m the Queen of England.” Then she gave him another slow look, black shirt, plain jeans, simple shoes. No fancy logos. Nothing shiny. Her lip curled like she was disgusted. The clothes looked good on him, sure, but to her, they didn’t scream money. “You really think you can buy this car?” she said, shaking her head. “You look like you just came off a job site.” Ethan’s jaw clenched, slow and tight. “I said I’m buying.” She let out a loud, bitter laugh tha

Pam froze the moment she saw him. Elias Thorn. The manager of the BMW shop. Her smile vanished so fast it was like it had never been there. Her hands started to shake… just a little, but enough for Nora and other people to notice even Ethan. Elias was a serious man. Calm, quiet, and sharp. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t waste words. But everyone at the dealership knew: when Elias Thorn showed up, you’d better be on your best behavior or else… He walked straight toward them. His eyes moved over the scene, the crowd, Nora, Pam, and then finally, Ethan. “What the hell is happening here?” he asked once again, his voice low but clear. People started murmuring, “Who’s this man?” “He’s so class men!” “What did he come here to do?” “He must be someone important here!” “Y’all should shut up! Don’t you know it’s Elias Thorn manager of this shop?” Someone whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, and upon hearing that they were so shocked. “No way!” “This guy

Ethan pulled up in front of the most famous restaurant in the city, The Golden Swan. The place sparkled under the evening lights, its grand glass doors guarded by two suited doormen. Luxury cars were parked outside, but none as shiny or clean as Ethan’s brand-new BMW X5 Supreme Edition. He checked the address on his phone again and nodded to himself. This was it. Alice had mentioned this spot for her class reunion. He smiled faintly, ran his hand through his hair, and stepped out of the car. Inside, the atmosphere was lively. Laughter floated through the air, mixed with the clinking of glasses and soft music playing in the background. A waiter led him toward the private room Alice had mentioned. ⸻ In that room, Alice and her classmates were already catching up. The room was beautiful, polished floors, golden chandeliers, and a long dining table with glasses of wine, fresh flowers, and plates of starters. “Can you believe it’s been ten years already?” a woman named Carla lau

Ethan walked in. He didn’t say anything at first. He just stepped into the room. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in simple black pants with a clean white shirt. No designer logos, no shiny watch, no loud cologne. Just him… relaxed, confident, and very very handsome. Alice saw him and her whole face lit up. She stood up without thinking, smiling like she couldn’t help it. “Finally!” She thought, she will finally be free from this fool, narcissist, bastard Ben. “There you are,” she said softly, reaching up to brush invisible lint off his shirt as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Sorry I’m late,” Ethan said in a low voice. “Parking was awful.” He took her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world, like it belonged there. And Alice? She didn’t let go. Ben watched everything from his seat, and his jaw clenched tight. Alice turned to the table with a small smile. “Everyone, this is Ethan. My fiancé.” Ethan gave a polite nod. “Hi.” Ben bare

Ben was annoyed. As Alice walked away holding Ethan’s hand, Ben got up quickly and followed them. The girls at the table called after him, surprised. Some were jealous. Some were confused. They couldn’t believe he was chasing her… after she had embarrassed him like that. “Ben? Where are you going?” Maya asked, half-laughing, trying to sound playful. “Ben, come on… don’t let her get to you,” Linda added. “Ben!” Jada called, louder this time. But he didn’t look back. He didn’t say a word. He just kept walking, fast, focused only on Alice. The girls watched him go, and it stung. They had dressed up. Put on lipstick. Laughed at all his jokes. Some of them had been waiting for this night—hoping he’d notice them. Hoping he’d sit next to them. That maybe, finally, he’d let Alice go and move on. But no. He was still chasing her. The one who embarrassed him. The one who shut him down in front of everyone. “What does she even have?” Maya whispered. “She’s not even all