From Death To Wealth

Chapter Three

When Bruce accepted the delivery offer, he felt thrilled. It was the most he’d ever been offered for a single day, and the pay promised was incredible.

All he had to do was deliver a small package to a specific address for a high-profile engagement party.

Not only did he need the extra cash after his recent pay cut, but he thought it sounded like easy work.

However, as he got closer to the address, he sensed something was off because the place was bustling with wealthy guests, the music was lively, and the decorations were nothing short of extravagant.

Bruce took a deep calm breath as he reached the front door of the event venue. He knocked, holding the small velvet box carefully in one hand.

After a few moments, the door opened, and a lady dressed in an expensive event planner outfit looked him over, her eyes landing on the box.

“Can I help you?” she asked politely but hurriedly.

“Uh, yes, I’m… I’m here to deliver this.” Bruce held up the box a bit awkwardly, feeling slightly out of place among the elegant surroundings.

Her expression shifted to one of mild surprise, then relief. “Oh! You’re the delivery guy. Perfect timing.” She gave him a quick, assessing look. “Actually… would you mind stepping inside for just a moment?”

Bruce hesitated, glancing around. “Umm… Sure, I guess,” he said, stepping inside and looking around the interior of the lavish hall.

As soon as the door closed, the event planner turned to him with a look of hopeful urgency. “Our original ring bearer just called last minute to inform us that he wouldn't make it, and we’re in a bit of a bind. Would you mind working as our ring bearer and taking the ring down the aisle? It’s a straightforward task, and we’d compensate you well for the extra time.”

Bruce blinked, he was caught off guard by her request. “Um… I’m not dressed for an event like this,” he stammered, glancing down at his worn-out clothes.

She waved her hand dismissively. “It’s perfectly fine, we will provide you with an outfit. It’s just a short walk down the aisle, and it would save us time right now. All you need to do is carry the ring to the soon-to-be couple during the ceremony. We’ll guide you on when to come in.”

Still a bit hesitant but intrigued by the promise of more pay, Bruce considered it. “Alright… I can do that.”

The woman smiled, looking visibly relieved. “Thank you! Please wait by the corner for further instructions.” She said, directing him to a spot.

His worn jacket and simple attire made him stand out in the crowd of expensive suits and dresses.

While Bruce stood by the corner, holding the ring box carefully, and waiting for his next job, he noticed the glances and nasty comments from the elegantly dressed guests.

Whatever they threw at him, he wouldn’t let it get to him. He reminded himself he was here to work, not to banter with anyone.

Well, that was his plan until he realized Kyle was at the party too. Bruce hadn’t expected to see Kyle here and wondered what he was doing.

He tried to connect the dots, but the situation quickly took a turn for the worse when a drunk Kyle spotted him in the corner and wasted no time in approaching.

“Bruce, what are you doing here?” he staggered. “Did you take a wrong turn or something?”

Bruce did his best to ignore Kyle’s jabs, hoping he’d lose interest, but, of course, Kyle wasn’t about to let it go.

Kyle called over a couple of his drunk friends, and together they began piling on insults, laughing as they circled Bruce.

“Did you know Bruce and his dad can’t even pay rent anymore?” Kyle mocked with smug satisfaction. “And get this, they had the nerve to steal from my uncle, Mr. Howard Richardson!”

“That’s not true, and you know it. My dad and I don't steal anything from your uncle.” Bruce countered.

“Seems like you will, after all. We will see about that.” Kyle threatened.

“Hey, ring boy,” Jake, one of the boys, jeered, crossing his arms with a smirk. “What are you planning to steal next?”

Another guy who goes by the name Tom snatched the velvet box Bruce was holding, inspecting it with mock suspicion. “What’s this you’re holding? Did you steal this too? Wouldn’t put it past you.”

A lousy girl among the group scoffed, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “With a dad like yours, I’m surprised you can even afford clothes. Or did you also steal those off a thrift store rack?”

None of the insults about Bruce bothered him as much as the ones about his dad. He could take any kind of abuse, but not the lies about his father. Sadly, he knew he couldn’t do anything about it because it could cost him his pay for the night.

Bruce had been asked to act as the ring bearer for the night, and though he had no idea what was about to happen, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease.

Kyle and his drunk friends continued their taunting and laughing, but the insults rolled off him. He was used to it by now.

This went on until the event planner came up to him and pulled him away from the group.

“It’s time. Get ready,” she said sternly.

Bruce straightened himself and followed her to a back room where she handed him a neatly folded outfit. “Change into this,” she said. “Don’t mess this up, okay? You’re here to do a simple job.”

Bruce slipped into the formal outfit. After a glance in the mirror, he composed himself, knowing he couldn’t afford to mess this up if he wanted to keep his pay.

As the music started, Bruce took his place at the entrance of the aisle, his heart beating faster with every step. His mind was still swirling with the insults he’d just endured, but he focused on his task.

He walked toward the stage, holding the small velvet box containing the ring. When he reached the couple in the center, he looked up and was met with the sight of Vincent Richardson smiling wickedly at him.

For a moment, Bruce couldn’t understand what was happening, but he did as he was told, kneeling in front of Vincent and holding the ring out.

Vincent reached for it with a smug grin and turned toward his bride-to-be. The lady stood with her back to Bruce and he couldn’t see her face, but something about her seemed oddly familiar.

Vincent cleared his throat and looked down at his bride-to-be. “Will you marry me?” he asked, proudly.

The bride-to-be turned, accepting the ring with a smile.

And that’s when it hit Bruce like a punch to the gut. The way she moved, the way she smiled, it was all too familiar. The shape of her face, her hair, even the way she held herself. He could no longer deny it.

The bride-to-be was Sadie. His fiancée, Sadie.

His heart shattered into a thousand pieces as he stood frozen, unable to move. He wanted to cry out, but he knew he couldn’t. Not here, not in front of everyone.

Bruce had to watch as Sadie accepted Vincent’s proposal in front of him and said the words that destroyed him completely.

“Yes, I do.”