The humiliation

Elena Rossi.

"Babe, are you still coming to the ball?" I had just stepped from the shower, my body slightly flushed from the heat when a soft notification chimed in my phone.

Naturally, a delicate smile tagged at the corners of my lips as I read the text. It was from Marco Reids, my boyfriend.

" I wouldn't miss it for the world." I typed rapidly before I hit send, the same stupid smile still lingering on my lips. Okay, it's called love and I was too far gone. The Reids were holding an event, to celebrate the handover. The Reids' Chairman had just retired, passing his prestigious position to his elder son, Lucien Reids, my boyfriend's stony-faced elder brother. My family was invited, and as Marco's girlfriend, I also got my own invitation card. How could I miss?

" In the hallway console table, on the first drawer, there is a red velvet box. Come with it."

" Dress nicely. "

Just then, two texts came in, at once, and my eyes teared up from just reading them. A red velvet box, in the console.

Of course, I had seen it. The velvet box housed a diamond ring, worth millions. I had seen it two days ago, and to be honest, I hadn't been able to sleep after that.

After years of loving him, Marco was finally ready to propose and I didn't know how to sit with it.

I was excited, thrilled, and I couldn't wait to have his ring wrapped around my finger.

I had loved him for years, after all.

And of all the days, he had chosen the evening ball day to propose? What did that mean, exactly? That everyone in our circle would know, that nearly, the whole world would know that we were engaged. He wanted to publicly state his claim on me, and I felt like I was falling in love, all over again.

Just thinking about it had adrenaline shooting through my veins, and my movements became rushed as I dressed up, lightly applied my makeup, not too much, just enough to highlight my features, and within one hour, I was already set.

Outside my house, I flagged a cab and as we approached the lively streets, the glam and glitter of the city, narrowing down to the Reids height, the famous Reids hotel where the event was hosted, I was a ball of nerves.

Heavens, it was just an engagement. Did I have to be so worked up?

" Elena?" The rooftop was already filled with people. Dressed to impress, to foster connections, to climb the social ladder.

The air around smelled of rich perfumes, curiosity, and ease. Among the rich, life was slow-paced, and each of their moves was calculated, deliberate.

The servers moved with practised ease, balancing drinks in trays, allocating seats, and, flashing theoretical smiles to the guests, they got paid for it, after all.

Right there, my parents spotted me, and my Mom, always so happy to see me waved my way and as I weaved a path towards them, more than once, I almost tripped over myself because of the excitement.

And, I didn't even wait to be next to her before I started speaking.

" Mom? You can't believe it!" I almost shrieked.

" Marco is about to propose. " Now standing next to her, I whispered, as we hugged lightly.

" Really? That's good. You have obsessed over that Reids' brat for years." Next to us, my father's voice carried mild excitement as he spoke and I gently poked him in the shoulders, a faint blush creeping to my cheeks.

" Don't bring that up anymore, Dad. You will embarrass me..." I whispered, my eyes curiously darting around as I searched for Marco's familiar face. Then I saw him.

" Well, you will make the most beautiful bride, sweety..." My mother didn't even get to finish.

The sound of a mic being tapped seeped through the air, and instantly, all eyes shifted to the stage, where, my boyfriend, Marco, stood in a fitted bespoke suit, and confidence that came with years of living in privilege.

Looking at him, as he lazily held the mic, striking a carefree pose, coupled with a charming smile, I almost lost my breath. He...he was the most handsome man, sinfully hot, no matter which angle you looked at him.

And what was more sexy was, he was mine, and the world was about to know. I felt like I was about to faint from excitement.

" Esteemed guests, allow me to steal a few of your minutes." Hot and sexy, his familiar voice rang out, and the audience went into a nodding frenzy, and I caught myself doing the same.

Marco was a pretty boy, and ladies were known to have weaknesses around charming things. My Mom wasn't any exception, of course... She wore her best smile as she nodded in approval, and at the corners of my eyes, I caught a glimpse of my Dad's dark face. He was jealous.

Even after so long, he was still helplessly in love with my Mom, and looking at them, I couldn't help but wish for the same love for Marco and me.

Now back to the stage,

" Today is a very special day to me." After a brief pause, Marco finally spoke, the seriousness in his voice only adding to the heated curiosity.

" After thinking about it for a while, I have finally decided to ask the magical question. " He added, a hint of shyness glazing his voice, and as the audience went into a clapping frenzy, tears freely made their way down my cheeks.

It was almost like a dream come true and I couldn't wait to say yes.

" Elena?" When everything quietened down, he finally called my name, and a blush painted my cheeks as I made my way towards the stage.

I almost couldn't believe that it was happening.

" Help me with the box," he whispered and, still drawn to his perfect features, I dazily passed him the velvet box.

More cheers filtered through the air when the big carat diamond ring came into the view.

Then he handed the mic to the nearby staff, went on one knee as he whispered, so softly, so warmly, that you would lose your senses just from his voice...

" Chloe Hayes, will you marry me?" Smoothly, his words tore through the air, and I felt like the air had been punched out of my lungs.

The applause was thunderous, but all I could hear was my heartbeat

Chloe?

When I turned, I saw her, Chloe Hayes, my best friend, nodding in tears as she outstretched her hand, accepting the ring....