At the birthday party of most beautiful girl in the class, everyone still thought of me as that poor, desperate fool from school.

Ethan Hunter, the one who had framed me back then, wrapped his arms around her and confidently declared, "Today is Sophie Smith's birthday and also our engagement day. Next month, once Sophie completes her dual master's and doctorate degrees, we will hold our wedding. Enjoy the food and drinks!"

I could only smile faintly; he probably had no idea that in just two weeks, the Hunter family would be going bankrupt.

***

As usual, I started my day with a morning run. After jogging three kilometers, I was about to get into the Maybach that came to pick me up for work when my phone rang.

"Hey, this is James. We're having a class reunion at the Royal Hotel on Saturday. Ethan booked a luxury suite for it."

I frowned slightly. James was my college roommate and one of the few classmates I still kept in touch with.

"I'm not going," I replied nonchalantly. I knew Ethan well; his father was wealthy, and every so-called reunion was just an opportunity for him to show off.

"Sophie is back; she's coming too. It seems she's here to celebrate her birthday."

Before James could finish his sentence, I quickly responded, "Okay, I'll go on Saturday."

After hanging up, a cold glint flashed in my eyes; I knew it was time for revenge!

My mother had been seriously ill and passed away when I was in elementary school. My father raised me alone through thick and thin.

I managed to get into a prestigious university through hard work, bringing pride to my father.

College life had been relatively good; thanks to my excellent grades, I rarely troubled my father. The scholarships covered my tuition and left me with extra money to send home.

But then I met her!

I thought she was the light of my life, only to find out she pushed me into darkness.

Because of her betrayal, I was expelled from school, and my father couldn't bear the village gossip; he fell ill and died a month later.

Before he passed away, he kept asking if I had done it!

Time flew by, and on Saturday, I arrived at the Royal Hotel as per James's address.

This place usually required drivers to park; it was my first time riding an electric bike there, so I struggled to find it.

When I walked into the room, I realized I was the last to arrive.

About ten people stared at me as if I were an alien—expressions filled with disdain and mockery.

I smiled faintly and took a seat at the last empty table.

Just as I sat down, an unpleasant voice broke through the chatter, "Why is he here? I don't remember seeing his name on the list."

The speaker was a classmate adorned in flashy jewelry; her name slipped my mind.

James looked at me with confusion as if he hadn't seen any list either.

Then more voices chimed in.

"Does he even know his place?"

"Only Ethan is kind enough to let him come; otherwise, he'd be a convict."

"They say those from the mountains are simple-minded; it's bad enough he has dirty hands—he still dares to have ambitions."

"If it weren't for Ethan's mercy, he'd probably never afford a meal here or wear anything but street market clothes—what a disgrace."

...

Ethan saw that the atmosphere had soured enough and raised his glass while clearing his throat, "Come on everyone, we're all classmates here; let's keep it civil. Besides, I believe Kyle has changed."

A few overly made-up women quickly chimed in, "Ethan has such a big heart! He truly is from a prestigious family."

The flattery made me feel nauseous.

Ethan, a wealthy heir, wielded immense influence during his student days, thanks to his family's money and good looks. Many girls on campus had a soft spot for him.

In contrast, I came from a humble background - my father was a farmer, and I relied on scholarships and part-time jobs to make ends meet as a student. I couldn't compete with Ethan's family connections, wealth, or status.

My only advantage was my academic performance. Initially, Ethan was like a patron to me, providing money to help him complete assignments.

Until she appeared - Sophie!

A girl from the mountains like me.

Looking at the now 26-27 year old Sophie sitting next to Ethan, the youthful charm had faded, replaced by a mature allure.

My thoughts drifted back to the university days - two years of being a lovesick fool, a comical resonance from the mountains. I once felt we were kindred spirits, destined to be together.

I bought her lipstick, clothes, bags - I strained every nerve to satisfy her desires, be it assignments, theses, or math competitions. If she asked, I gave!

A hand-hold, a declaration of love, and I lost myself completely.

I only smiled for her, only rejoiced in her happiness.

It was later that I realized it was all a facade, a deception. Two and a half years of toil, in exchange for a few "I love you, hand-holds, and farewell hugs. When I thought she was conservative, traditional, she was engaging in frenzied aerobic exercises in sexy lingerie in someone else's bed.