The Bet That Lasted a Lifetime

“Roger really has great taste — so thoughtful!”

Compliments filled the room one after another, each word landing like an invisible slap across my face.

Expressionless, I walked forward.

While everyone’s eyes were still fixed on the new bracelet, I reached out and picked up the green bracelet.

The noise in the room dulled instantly.

Dozens of curious, expectant eyes turned toward me — some amused, some waiting for drama.

Emily noticed my movement too; her brows furrowed slightly.

I held the green bracelet firmly in my palm, then lifted my gaze to meet hers — calm, steady.

My voice wasn’t loud, but it cut cleanly through the silence and chatter.

“Since this old-fashioned green bracelet no longer suits Miss Simpson, then it should go back to where it belongs — my mother,” I said evenly,

The private room fell utterly silent.

Emily opened her mouth, as if to say something, but no words came out.

She clearly hadn’t expected me to be so blunt — or to bring up my mother.

A flicker of malice crossed David’s eyes before he forced a smile.

“Bro, there’s really no need for this, right? Emmie was just trying on the new bracelet. Why get angry over a bracelet? It’s her birthday today. Can’t we all just keep things pleasant?”

“It’s not about getting angry,” I replied evenly. “Since she doesn’t want it anymore, I’ll take it back — no need to let my mother’s good intentions go to waste.”

I didn’t bother looking at their faces after that.

I carefully tucked the green bracelet into the inside pocket of my jacket, then turned and walked out.

Behind me, I heard Emily’s sharp, mocking laugh rise above the silence.

“Take it back then! You think I care about that stupid bracelet? It’s old and tacky — I wouldn’t wear it even if it were free!”

David quickly followed after me, grabbing my arm. His voice was low but loud enough for the nearby guests to hear.

“Roger, don’t be rash. She didn’t mean it — she’s just angry. If you walk out now, this will blow up…”

I yanked my arm free with force.

He stumbled back a step, the fake concern on his face almost cracking apart.

“Save it, David,” I said coldly, giving him a sharp look. “You’ve overplayed your act.”

“David! Don’t bother with him! Let him go!” Emily’s voice cut through the air, sharp and shrill.

I didn’t look back. I walked out of that suffocating private room without a word.

Outside the hotel, the night wind carried a bite of cold.

Leaning against the car, I lit a cigarette.

The smoke filled my lungs and only then did the knot of frustration in my chest loosen a little.

My phone buzzed. It was a notification from the social app.

Someone had replied.

Without even checking the photo they sent, I typed out my location. “Come over. I’ll be waiting.”

Less than twenty minutes later, a girl pulled up on a shared e-bike by the curb.

She jogged over, her voice cautious. “Are you… the one? I’m Nelly.”

I looked up at her — a textbook e-girl look with short skirt, tight top, colorful hair, heavy eyeshadow.

But unexpectedly, there was a hint of shyness in her eyes and her voice was gentle.

“Yeah.” I flicked away the cigarette butt. “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere.”

Nelly nodded and followed obediently.

Once in the passenger seat, she sat quietly, careful not to touch anything she shouldn’t.

I drove to a nearby bar I often went to — not the fanciest place, but decent enough.

We found a booth and I ordered her a beer while I got myself a Coke.

She sipped her drink in small, quiet gulps, barely talking, though every now and then she’d sneak a glance at me.

“Um… you…”

She had just started to speak when a familiar wave of laughter and chatter came from the entrance.

I looked up — and couldn’t help the cold smirk tugging at my lips.

Speak of the devil.

Emily, David and the same group from the private room walked in, lively and noisy as ever.