Chapter 6 Eventful Reunion

• The office was buzzing with excitement. The women couldn't take their eyes off the handsome man standing in the center of the room, his hands resting on a large wooden box.
• Mandy didn't know what all the fuss was about, but seeing everyone so eager, she waved for the man to open the box.
• The moment he lifted the lid, silence fell over the room. Everyone stared, mouths open.
• "These ... these are Morsenspir roses, shipped directly here," someone whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
• "You're kidding. Didn't they say this year's rose harvest was bad? How many are there in this box?"
• The man gave a knowing smile, stepping closer to Mandy. "Ms. Preston, let me show you something even more special."
• "These Morsenspir roses are the cream of the crop, but they're not the most valuable item here."
• He pointed to the center of the roses. Nestled within the bouquet was a tiny rose, the size of a brooch.
• But on closer inspection, it wasn't a real rose. It was a dazzling creation, made from diamonds and precious stones, sparkling in the light.
• "Morsenspir's Heart," Mandy breathed, her mind reeling. She felt as if she was in a dream.
• Morsenspir's Heart was legendary, crafted by the most famous artists in Morsenspir. There was only one in the world. It was priceless, a symbol of elegance and beauty. She never imagined she would see it with her own eyes.
• "Oh my god, who sent this?"
• "Ms. Preston, it has to be from one of your admirers!"
• "This is insane! Could it be from Mr. Davidson?"
• One of the women laughed. "Didn't Ms. Preston's husband promise her Morsenspir roses once?"
• Another snorted. "Please, that guy couldn't afford a single petal from Morsenspir. Even if you sold him, he wouldn't be worth it."
• Mandy's thoughts raced. Who could have sent something so extravagant?
• It wasn't Oscar. That much she knew. He barely had enough money for his own expenses, let alone Morsenspir roses.
• The idea that he could afford something like this was laughable.
• Could it really have been Lawrence? The possibility stirred something inside her—an odd mix of flattery, warmth, and a touch of guilt.
• ...
• Wavecrest, Platinum Hotel.
• The place was famous, a shining beacon for the wealthy and elite. Outside, luxury cars lined the entrance, their polished surfaces reflecting the glow of the lights.
• This was where Oscar's college reunion was set to take place.
• Oscar pulled up on his old electric scooter, humming a tune under his breath. He had more money now, but that scooter had been with him through everything—rain, wind, good times, and bad. Letting go of it didn't feel right.
• As he parked near the entrance, a sharp, blaring horn shattered the peaceful moment.
• "Hey! Are you blind? What do you think you're doing? This isn't a spot for your piece of junk! Get out of here!"
• A sleek Audi A4 screeched to a halt behind him, and a man stepped out, practically shoving his face into Oscar's personal space.
• Oscar turned, surprised. For a moment, both men just stared at each other, recognition dawning slowly.
• "Howard?" Oscar asked, his voice filled with both surprise and hesitation. It was Howard, their class president from years back.
• Howard's eyes narrowed before he sneered. "Oscar?"
• He didn't wait for a response, didn't even say more. Instead, he locked his car and walked straight into the hotel, ignoring Oscar as if their brief exchange hadn't even happened.
• Oscar stood there, a little stunned. He had spoken first, tried to be friendly, but Howard had brushed him off as if he were nothing. Still, he shook it off and headed inside.
• In the private room, everyone was already seated. The chatter stopped as soon as the door opened.
• "Howard! Man, you made it!" one of the classmates exclaimed. "He looks just like the rumors said—living large and looking sharp!" Howard was dressed in a crisp suit, and an Audi key hung from his belt. He was the most dashing man in the room.
• The room went quiet again, but this time, someone noticed Oscar's entrance. Though his suit did not fit him snugly, it was obviously meticulously made and must've cost a good penny.
• "Oscar, you too?" one of them said with a laugh. "Looking sharp yourself! Hey, we've saved the two best seats for you and Howard."
• Howard glanced at Oscar once more, his lips curving into a small, almost mocking smile. He shook his head but said nothing. For now, he chose to let the matter of the scooter outside go, keeping whatever thoughts he had to himself.
• Oscar barely nodded in response, not bothered by the offer of a front-row seat. His eyes scanned the room, quickly landing on Whitney Logan, the class beauty and Mandy's best friend.
• Though they'd crossed paths many times over the past few years, tonight, Whitney seemed different. More radiant.
• She wore a sharp, tailored business suit that hugged her figure in all the right ways. Her curves were undeniable, like a ripe peach, impossible to ignore.
• Even Howard, who always carried himself with an air of arrogance, couldn't look away. His expression brightened as he sauntered over to her. "Whitney! It's been forever. Why haven't you reached out? What're you doing now?" He grinned, flashing the same confidence he always had.
• Whitney smiled politely, her voice soft but clear, "Oh, just getting by. Not as well as you, Howard. I see you're driving an Audi now."
• Howard's grin grew wider. His car might've been leased, but if Whitney was impressed, he wasn't going to correct her.
• Before Howard could reply, one of the girls, eager to stir things up, chimed in with a laugh, "Don't let Whitney fool you, Howard! She works for Dalton Investment now. Rumor is she's about to be promoted to management. Practically running the place!"
• The room erupted in murmurs.
• Dalton Investment was a big deal in Wavecrest, known for funding some of the largest companies and families in the city. It wasn't just a business—it was a powerhouse.
• If Whitney was really climbing the ranks there, she wasn't just a pretty face. Whoever won her over would be getting access to a world of connections and resources.
• And to top it off, she was stunning, even more so than some celebrities. Even some of the men in the room who hadn't paid her much attention before were now glancing her way, suddenly feeling out of their league.
• It was then that Whitney pretended she just noticed Oscar.
• "Oscar? What are you doing here? This reunion is out of your league!"
• Her tone held both surprise and disbelief as if he'd wandered into the wrong room by mistake.
• Oscar furrowed his brow, feeling the sting of her words. "Didn't Howard send out the invite to everyone?"
• Whitney's voice sharpened, "Everyone doesn't mean you, Oscar. Got it?
• "You don't belong here. You're embarrassing yourself."
• She didn't hold back, her words cutting.
• "You think just because you put on one of Mandy's suits, you can pretend you fit in with us?
• "We all know the truth, Oscar. You're just her live-in husband, nothing more."
• Oscar sighed, feeling a heavy weight settle on his shoulders. He knew Whitney had always held something against him, but he hadn't realized it had grown into such open hostility.
• "Whitney, thanks for reminding us. I almost forgot that Oscar here is a live-in son-in-law!" Howard's eyes flickered with amusement as he glanced at her, hoping for approval.
• He looked back at Oscar. "I heard about it after graduation. Guess the rumors were true—he really married into a wealthy family."
• Howard's smile turned nasty. "They say he hasn't even shared a bed with his wife in three years!"
• "A man who can't even do that ... might as well disappear."
• "That's right!"
• The room erupted with whispers and laughter. A few classmates, eager to be noticed by Whitney, joined in, piling onto Oscar with taunts and mockery.
• Oscar opened his mouth, ready to defend himself, but before he could speak, Snow Rafalda, his old desk mate, stood up. "Enough!" she said, her voice loud enough to cut through the noise. "We're all classmates. Why are you treating Oscar like this?"
• Snow, with her soft features and gentle nature, had always been kind. In college, Oscar had often relied on her for help with assignments. He hadn't expected her to be the one to stand by him now.
• Howard's smirk faded slightly as he watched her defend Oscar. Annoyed, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He held it up, showing a picture to everyone. "Snow, you're really defending him? Look at this—he rode an electric scooter here!
• "And look at him now, wearing a suit like he's somebody important. I bet that's the same suit the Prestons gave him when he married into their house."
• Howard sneered. "He thinks a suit can cover up the fact that he's still just a nobody.
• "Why be a poser, Oscar? Everyone in Wavecrest knows who you are. There's no point in putting on airs. We're all classmates here. Who do you think you're fooling?"
• Oscar raised his hand slowly, brushing aside Howard's phone. His eyes, dark and cold, fixed on Howard, silencing him with a look.