A Decade's Reunion

My girlfriend and I were reborn, returning to the cramped basement apartment we rented right after graduation. We silently walked out the door together, neither of us mentioning staying together. She went abroad with her childhood sweetheart to further her studies while I stayed behind, grinding away at my company.

Seven years later, she became a rising young designer with a bright future and a happy family. I was still grinding away at the same company.

When we met again, she clung to her childhood sweetheart's arm, looking down at my slightly disheveled state with a mocking smile. "Long time no see. How did you end up looking like a beggar?"

I ignored her.

However, later, when the powerful, world-renowned CEO of a top design firm clung to my arm, acting sweetly, her face twisted with panic. "Alex Prescott! How can you be so close with another woman?!"

When the professor organized a class reunion, Sophia Hart returned. She had transformed into a top-tier designer who had achieved both fame and fortune.

As I walked in, the others were already praising her talent.

"Sophia, you’re a real star in our field now. Back in school, we all knew you had talent. We’d spend a week on our assignments, but you’d finish in two days."

"I heard you even established the Hart Scholarship at our old school. That’s impressive. If I’d known, I’d have followed your path too."

"Sophia’s not just talented; she’s beautiful too. I heard her current boyfriend, James Finley, is a total catch. I’m curious. How did you two end up together?"

Sophia lowered her head and gave a faint, smug smile. "Just destiny."

Then, someone brought me up. "By the way, why did you and Alex Prescott break up? I remember you two were so in love back then. I used to root for you."

Sophia’s brows furrowed, and her smile froze. "We just weren’t a good match, that’s all."

Sensing her discomfort, the others quickly shifted the topic to her and James, the seemingly perfect power couple.

I brushed the dirt from my clothes, straightened up, and walked inside.

The class rep noticed me first. "Hey, look! Our campus heartthrob is here!"

"Alex! Come over, let’s catch up!"

"What happened to you, man? Did you trip on the way here?"

I responded with a few polite remarks, then met Sophia’s gaze. She shot me a sideways glance, her expression dripping with disdain, silently mocking me from head to toe. Her makeup was meticulously applied, and her outfit was screaming with Dior logos, giving her the air of a glamorous princess.

Standing beside her in a perfectly tailored suit, James had his arm gently resting on her shoulder.

Together, they looked like a match made in heaven.

In contrast, I still had mud stains clinging to my clothes, looking every bit the mess. Nevertheless, I didn’t let it bother me. I gave her a brief nod as a greeting and then turned to chat with the others.

"Hey, do you remember Catherine Shaw?"

"Of course! She was the campus queen back in the day—stunning, rich, and talented. The definition of a perfect girl."

"She was one of Professor Warren Eckhart’s students too. I heard she’ll be here soon."

"Yeah, she’s done well for herself. She even sponsored a few of Professor Warren’s projects over the years..."

They continued their conversation as I checked my phone.

There was still some time before Professor Warren arrived, and my muddy clothes were really starting to bug me. I texted someone to bring me a fresh set, then slipped into the restroom to change.

When I stepped out, I found Sophia lingering by the door. I had no interest in getting tangled up with her, so I turned to leave.

However, she called out to me. "You’ve been grinding away at that crummy company for years, and you couldn’t even afford a car to get here? Falling flat on your face outside... What a joke!"

I turned to face her, meeting that all-too-familiar face, and replied firmly, "That’s my business. It has nothing to do with you."

She clenched her jaw. "Fine. Then, stay in the mud for the rest of your life!"

She clicked away on her high heels, the sound sharp and unforgiving. Then, halfway down the hall, she paused, glanced back at me with a smug, almost triumphant expression.

"Alex! You’re as stubborn as ever, but no matter how much you try to hide it, I know you regret it."