Chapter 2

"That brand was a custom line by Astoria's top designer," Dylan said. "Money alone couldn't buy it. Only people in Mr. Prescott's social circle had access to pieces like that. A tiny company like yours was nowhere near qualified. Don't tell me some rich woman is keeping you.

"We graduated from Eldridge University, one of the best universities in the state. You could have chosen any respectable career, but you insisted on doing… this. You're really making us look bad."

I was taken aback, but I still managed a polite smile. "Oops. What a coincidence."

Riley looked displeased but still greeted me with courtesy. "It's been a long time."

She couldn't stop herself from looking me up and down. When her gaze finally landed on the diamond ring in my hand, her expression shifted instantly.

The others noticed something was off and followed her gaze. Once they saw the ring, their scorn deepened.

"Jared, they're getting engaged. Why are you holding a ring? Don't tell me you're trying to crash the engagement."

I was speechless but kept my composure. "You're misunderstanding."

One classmate snatched the ring from my hand. "Look, there's an R engraved on it. It must stand for Riley?"

Dylan scoffed. "What else could it be if not a proposal? Jared, you should know your place. How dare a kept man like you try to steal the richest man's fiancee?"

Riley glared at me and impatiently said, "Jared, I thought I made myself clear years ago. We're from two different worlds. It has been so long. Why can't you let me go?"

Anger flashed in Benjamin's eyes, though he kept a pleasant smile as he walked over and took the ring.

"Come on, don't be harsh. Jared seems like someone who knows his limits. This ring is just a gift. Even if he got it from questionable sources, it's still a gesture from an old classmate," he said, giving my shoulder a patronizing pat.

"Since we're classmates, here's some advice. Being a kept man is still a job, but you can't let your desires wreck your health. What if you get sick?" he added, clicking his tongue.

He frowned, quickly pulled his hand back, and continued, "I'll have my personal physician give you a check-up later. Don't worry, I won't charge you."

The moment he said that, everyone stepped back as if I had brought in a plague. Their faces twisted with disgust, as if I truly carried a contagious disease.

I didn't bother reacting. "There's no need. Thank you," I said and stepped forward to reclaim the ring.

I sat off to the side and carefully wiped away the fingerprints on the band.

After the crowd drifted away, Riley suddenly walked over. She snatched the ring from behind me, slipped it onto her finger, and sat down in the chair next to mine.

"Jared, I know you've never truly let me go," she said, "not in your last life, not in this one. But look at me now—I'm getting married, and I'm happy. Please stop waiting for me.

"I've taken your feelings to heart. Didn't you once say all you wanted was to see me wear a ring? That wish has been fulfilled. Now, please go. I don't want Ben to get upset."

I stared at her in confusion. "Who said I came for you?"

Riley slammed her palm on the table. She frowned and rubbed her temples. "Stop pretending. I know exactly what kind of person you are. Do you really need me to tear off the last bit of politeness before you finally back off? You already ruined my life once. Do you really have to do it again?"