Justin smirked as he walked out of the mall with the bag. He didn't know how expensive or rare it was, but he knew it would make the perfect birthday gift for Linda.
The evening air was crisp as Justin stepped onto the sidewalk, clutching the bag carefully. He scanned the street for a taxi, and his excitement built with each passing moment. After a few minutes, a yellow cab pulled up to the curb. He waved it down and quickly slid into the back seat, still holding the bag as if it were a priceless artifact.
"Where to?" the driver asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.
"Campus Dorms, please," Justin replied, his mind already racing with plans for Linda's birthday.
The taxi drove through the city's bustling streets, and the buildings and lights blurred past the windows. Justin couldn't help but sneak another look at the bag, imagining Linda's face when she opened her gift. He felt a surge of anticipation, knowing how much she would love it.
As the taxi approached the campus, Justin pulled out his phone to check the time. He still had a few hours to prepare, but he wanted everything to be perfect. He was given a rare opportunity to attend Linda's birthday and he didn't want to mess up.
The cab slowed to a stop outside the dormitory, and Justin handed the driver some cash, thanking him before stepping out into the cool evening.
He walked briskly towards his building with the bag swinging gently at his side. Once inside his dorm, he hurried up the stairs to his room, his heart pounding with excitement. He carefully placed the bag on his desk and began gathering decorations, wrapping paper, and a heartfelt card.
Justin carefully wrapped the bag, making sure every detail was perfect. Finally, he wrote a message in the card, pouring his feelings onto the page.
As he at the wrapped gift, Justin felt a sense of accomplishment. Everything was ready. All that was left was to wait for Alex's arrival so they would go to the party together. He sat down, glancing once more at the beautifully wrapped gift, and smiled, imagining the joy it would bring her.
As 8 PM approached, he received a text from Alex confirming he was on his way. A few minutes later, Alex's car pulled up outside Justin's dorm. Justin hurried out and got into the car.
"Ready for the party?" Alex asked with a grin.
"Yeah, let's do this," Justin replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
As they drove to Linda's mansion, the streets began to light up with the city's nightlife. When they arrived at the mansion, the sheer size and grandeur of the place took Justin's breath away. The mansion was illuminated beautifully, with elegant decorations and a red carpet leading up to the entrance.
They parked the car and walked up to the entrance. Linda was there, greeting guests. When she saw Justin and Alex, her face lit up with a smile.
"Justin, Alex, I'm so glad you could make it," she said warmly.
"Thanks for inviting us, Linda," Justin replied, trying to mask his nervousness.
"Please, come in and make yourselves at home," Linda said, handing them each a drink as they entered.
The mansion was even more impressive inside, with lavish furnishings and a crowd of well-dressed guests. As they mingled, Justin couldn't help but feel out of place, but Alex's presence was a comforting anchor.
As Justin and Alex mingled with the other guests, the ambient noise of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Justin couldn't help but feel a bit out of place among the lavish furnishings and well-dressed crowd. His eyes darted around, taking in the opulence of Linda's mansion.
Suddenly, from across the room, Justin spotted Kendrick and Stella making their way towards them. Kendrick was neatly dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, and he exuded an air of confidence and affluence. His polished shoes gleamed under the chandelier's light, and his designer watch caught the eye of many envious onlookers.
Stella, Justin's ex-girlfriend, walked beside Kendrick with a grace that turned heads. She wore a stunning, floor-length emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly, and her hair cascaded in elegant waves over her shoulders.
As they approached, Kendrick's expression shifted from a neutral gaze to a disdainful frown when he noticed Justin. His eyes narrowed, and a look of irritation flickered across his face as he gazed at Justin.
"Well, well, well," Kendrick began, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Who invited you, Justin?"
Justin's heart raced, but he stood his ground. "Linda invited me," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Kendrick's frown deepened, and he was about to say something else when Linda appeared beside them, sensing the tension. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air in the charged atmosphere.
"Kendrick, I invited Justin," Linda said firmly, placing a hand on her brother's arm. "He's my guest."
Kendrick's eyes darted between Linda and Justin, and his jaw was clenched. He shot Justin a hateful look before turning away. "Fine," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.
Stella, who had been silently observing the exchange, glanced at Justin with a mix of hatred and annoyance before linking arms with Kendrick. They walked off together, disappearing into the crowd.
Linda sighed and turned to Justin, then her expression softened. "I'm sorry about that, Justin," she said. "Kendrick can be... difficult."
Justin managed a small smile. "It's okay, Linda. Thanks for inviting me."
"Of course," Linda replied, her smile warm and reassuring. "I'm really glad you're here. Enjoy the party."
As Linda walked away to greet more guests, Justin took a deep breath, trying to shake off the encounter with Kendrick. He was determined not to let it ruin the evening. He turned to Alex, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Let's go find some more drinks," Alex suggested, steering Justin towards the bar.
As they made their way through the crowd, Justin couldn't help but glance back at Kendrick and Stella. Despite the tension, he was resolved to make the most of the evening and, most importantly, to make Linda's birthday special.
As the evening went on, the lively chatter and laughter gradually faded, replaced by the soft sounds of romantic music. The lights dimmed a little, and the once-ignored dance floor began to catch the guests' attention. Couples started moving towards it, their steps in sync with the gentle music. The atmosphere turned magical as the melodies filled the room, creating an intimate and enchanting vibe.
Justin stood by the bar, sipping his drink and watching the scene. He saw Kendrick lead Stella onto the dance floor. They moved with practiced ease, Kendrick's hand confidently on Stella's waist. Stella's gown shimmered in the soft light, and she looked at Kendrick with a small, contented smile. They seemed perfectly in sync, gliding gracefully across the floor.
A pang of something; jealousy, maybe?, and it tugged at Justin's heart as he watched them. He took another sip of his drink, trying to focus on anything else, but his eyes kept drifting back to the couple. He couldn't help but remember the times he and Stella had danced together, back when things were simpler.
"Hey, Justin," a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
He turned to see Linda standing beside him, a warm smile on her face. She looked radiant, her dress catching the light perfectly, and her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness.
"Would you like to dance?" she asked, extending her hand toward him.
Justin felt a surge of warmth at her invitation. He hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand in hers. "I'd love to," he replied, his voice steady despite the fluttering in his chest.
Linda led him onto the dance floor, the music wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. As they began to dance, Justin found himself relaxing, his earlier tension melting away. Linda's presence was calming, her smile infectious. They moved together in a slow, graceful rhythm, and Justin felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a long time.
"Thank you for coming tonight," Linda said softly, her eyes meeting his.
"Thank you for inviting me," Justin replied sincerely. "This is... amazing."
Linda's smile widened, and for a moment, everything else faded away, even Kendrick and Stella. All that mattered was the music, the dance, and the connection he felt with Linda.
Justin and Linda moved effortlessly across the dance floor. The music swirled around them, and it was a gentle waltz that guided their steps. Justin felt an unusual lightness in his feet, as if the music itself were lifting him. Linda's hand in his felt warm and reassuring, and her presence was a calming influence.
They danced in perfect harmony, and Linda's eyes sparkled as she smiled up at Justin. The way she moved was graceful and fluid, and each turn and dip was executed with natural elegance. Justin found himself smiling back, and it was a genuine smile that reached his eyes.
The room seemed to fade away as they danced. The dim lights created a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it feel as though they were the only two people in the world.
Linda leaned in closer, her head resting lightly against Justin's shoulder. He could feel the warmth of her breath against his neck, and it sent a shiver down his spine. He tightened his hold on her, pulling her a little closer, their bodies moving as one. The rhythm of the music matched the beating of his heart, and it was steady and sure.
As they glided across the floor, Justin couldn't help but marvel at the ease with which they moved together. It was as if they had been dancing together for years, and their movements were perfectly synchronized. There was a sense of familiarity and comfort in the way they danced, a feeling that this was where they were meant to be.
Linda lifted her head and looked into Justin's eyes. There was a depth of emotion in her gaze that took his breath away. He could see the reflection of his own feelings mirrored in her eyes.
They danced for what felt like an eternity, and the world outside their dance was forgotten. Each step, each turn, each sway of their bodies brought them closer together.
Meanwhile, across the dancefloor, Stella watched Justin and Linda with a mixture of jealousy and frustration. She was dancing with Kendrick, but her attention was entirely on Justin and Linda. She noted how gracefully Linda moved, how Justin seemed more confident than she had ever seen him, and how they both seemed genuinely happy.
Kendrick noticed Stella's distraction as they danced. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"Nothing," Stella muttered, trying to focus, but her gaze kept drifting back to Justin and Linda. She saw Justin lean in and whisper something in Linda's ear, making her laugh softly. The sight made Stella's blood boil.
In her distraction, Stella misstepped. Her heel caught on the edge of Kendrick's shoe, and she stumbled. Unable to regain her balance, she fell to the floor with a gasp. The music seemed to pause as heads turned to watch the commotion.
Kendrick quickly bent down to help her up, his face a mix of concern and irritation. "Are you okay?" he asked, though his tone suggested more annoyance than sympathy.
Stella's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she glanced around the room. She caught sight of Justin and Linda, who had also turned to see what happened. Linda looked concerned, while Justin's expression was unreadable.
"I'm fine," Stella snapped, brushing off Kendrick's hand and standing up. She forced a smile, trying to regain her composure. "Let's just keep dancing."
Kendrick, however, seemed less interested now. "Maybe you should sit down for a bit," he suggested, leading her off the dance floor. Stella followed reluctantly, her eyes still darting back to Justin and Linda, who had resumed their dance, looking more comfortable and in sync than ever.
Stella sat at the edge of the room, nursing her bruised pride and casting envious glances at Linda and Justin on the dance floor. Justin and Linda continued to dance, laughing and chatting as if the rest of the world didn't exist. Stella realized that she had lost Justin in more ways than one.
As the song came to an end, Justin and Linda came to a gentle stop, still holding each other close.
"Thank you," Justin whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.
Linda's smile was soft and tender. "I should be one thanking you instead, Justin," she replied. "This has been wonderful."
They stood there for a moment longer, wrapped in the afterglow of the dance. Justin knew that this night had changed something within him. The dance with Linda had brought a sense of peace and contentment that he hadn't felt in a long time.
As they left the dance floor, hand in hand, Justin felt a mix of happiness and nervousness. Dancing with Linda was something most of the richest guys in college would do anything for, but he had the chance without any effort.
"I never knew you were good at dancing," Justin said to Linda as they went to get some drinks.
"I don't think you know anything about me," Linda replied with a smile, taking a sip from her wine.
"That's right," Justin said with a nervous chuckle.
They gazed at each other as they sipped their drinks. Linda glanced at Justin's lips, then moved closer to him. Justin's heart began racing as Linda leaned in. They were about to kiss when someone suddenly burst into the room.
Everyone turned their attention to the intruder and were surprised to see Michael, the son of a wealthy and well-known businessman.
Apparently, Michael and Linda were dating, but Linda wasn't happy about it. Their parents were business partners, and to solidify their partnership, Linda's parents suggested that she date Michael.
Linda never liked Michael and didn't support the relationship, but she had no choice as it was her parents' decision.
Michael approached Linda and Justin with a frown.
"What are you doing here, Michael?" Linda asked as he stood in front of them.
"Am I not allowed to attend my girlfriend's birthday party?" Michael asked with a smirk, then turned to Justin.
"And who is this pauper?" Michael asked, giving Justin a disgusted look.
"Who he is doesn't concern you, so I suggest you leave," Linda replied coldly.
"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me who this fool is," Michael said loudly.
Everyone turned their attention to them, and Justin felt anger rising. Linda was also frustrated and angry at Michael and sick of her relationship with him.
"You want to know who he is?" Linda asked, holding Justin's hand.
"Yeah, I want to know who he is to you," Michael replied.
"His name is Justin, and he is my new boyfriend," Linda said, and everyone gasped in surprise, including Justin. "I'm done with you, Michael. I've finally found someone worthy of my love."
Justin couldn't believe his ears. He gazed at Linda with a surprised look. Stella, watching the scene, found it hard to believe that Linda had just called Justin her boyfriend.
"Do you think I'll believe that you, Linda, a girl from a rich family, would break up with me and date a pauper like him?" Michael asked, pointing at Justin.
"Oh, you want me to prove he's my boyfriend?" Linda asked, and Michael nodded with a smirk.
"Yeah," he replied. "Prove to me that this pauper is really your new boyfriend."
Everyone in the room watched in anticipation. Justin himself was curious about how Linda would prove it.
Suddenly, Linda pulled Justin closer and kissed him deeply and passionately. Everyone gasped in surprise. No one saw this coming, not even Justin himself.