Justin didn't want to tell her about his identity yet, so he decided to lie to her. "Linda, I helped a rich man at my workplace and he helped me with some money, so we decided to get you a bag with the money," Justin said, and Linda couldn't help but blush.
"I'm so flattered, Justin," Linda said with a smile. "Most guys wouldn't have done what you did, and that's one of the reasons why I like you. You're different, and special."
"Thanks," Justin replied with a smile.
"Let's go back inside," Linda suggested, taking Justin's hand. "We have a party to enjoy."
Justin smiled and squeezed her hand. "Lead the way."
As they walked back into the Cleveland Relaxation Center, the energy inside was still vibrant. The music played, people danced, and laughter filled the air. It was as if the earlier drama had never happened.
Linda and Justin made their way to the dance floor, where they joined the others in a lively dance. The rhythm of the music and the buzz of the crowd made everything feel surreal. For the first time that night, Justin felt like he truly belonged.
They danced for what felt like hours, losing themselves in the music and each other's company. Every now and then, Justin would catch glimpses of Stella and Kendrick, but their presence no longer bothered him. He had Linda by his side, and that was all that mattered.
Eventually, they took a break and headed back to the bar for another drink. As they sipped their wine, they chatted and laughed, sharing stories and getting to know each other better. Justin learned that Linda was more than just a pretty face; she was intelligent, kind, and had a rebellious streak that he admired.
Meanwhile, Stella and her friends were seated in a corner, watching Linda and Justin. Linda had a frown on her face, wondering how Justin could afford the Mayweather bag he bought Linda for her birthday.
"How did Justin afford that bag?" Stella asked Carla for the tenth time. She had been asking her friends this question for the past thirty minutes.
"Stella, how many times are you going to ask us?" Carla replied with a loud sigh.
"Stella, we were at the mall when Justin bought the bag. He purchased it in front of us, but we don't know how he paid for it," Megan, Stella's other friend, explained.
"Did Justin pay in cash or with a bank transfer?" Stella asked, curious to know.
"Neither," Carla replied.
"Then how did he pay?" Stella asked, frustrated.
"Justin gave one of the workers a gold debit card," Megan answered, and Linda's eyes widened in shock.
"You mean Justin paid with a gold card?" Stella asked in disbelief.
"Yes, he did," Megan confirmed.
"What's wrong with paying with a gold card?" Carla asked, confused.
"Don't you know what a gold debit card is?" Stella asked in frustration.
"I've never heard of it," Carla replied, and Stella sighed.
"Do you know what a black card is?" Stella asked.
"Yes," Carla and Megan said together.
"A gold card is even more exclusive than a black card," Stella explained, and her friends gasped.
"You mean the gold card Justin used is more exclusive than a black card?"
"Yes," Stella nodded, and her friends couldn't believe it.
"Only ten of the wealthiest families in the world have a gold card," Stella added.
"But how did Justin get a gold card if it's so rare?" Carla asked.
Stella leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "That's what I can't figure out. Justin doesn't come from a wealthy family, at least not that we know of."
Stella, still watching Justin and Linda from across the room, couldn't shake off her curiosity. "Could it be possible that Justin is hiding something from us? Maybe his family is wealthy and he just never mentioned it?"
Carla shook her head and replied, "If Justin's family was that rich, wouldn't we have seen some signs before now? He is the poorest guy in college."
Megan chimed in, "Maybe he has a side hustle that's very profitable. Or perhaps he's involved in something that we don't know about."
"We all know Justin is the poorest guy in college, so, it is either he is from a wealthy family we don't know about, or he stole the gold card from a wealthy man. These are the only two ways he could have gotten the gold card," Carla said.
"I don't think Justin stole the gold card," Stella said, and her friends gave her a questioning look.
"Why do you think so?" Carla asked.
"A gold card can only be used by the families or people who have access to it. If Justin stole it, he wouldn't have been able to use it. Besides, I dated Justin and I know what kind of person he is. He would rather starve to death than steal from someone," Stella explained, and her friends nodded.
"Then it must mean Justin has some connection to wealth that we don't know about. Maybe it's a family secret or something he's been keeping hidden for a reason," Carla said.
Megan leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "If that's true, why would he keep it a secret? Why wouldn't he want us to know about his family's wealth?"
Stella shrugged. "Maybe he doesn't want to be treated differently. Or perhaps there's some complication or danger associated with his family's wealth. Who knows?"
Carla tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "We need more information. Maybe we can find out more about his background. Does anyone know where he comes from?"
"He didn't mention where he is from, and he never talked much about his family," Stella said.
"I have an idea," Carla said.
"Let's hear it," Stella urged.
"Stella, why don't you break up with Kendrick and get back with Justin to find out more about his past? That way, you might discover if he's from a wealthy family or not," Carla suggested.
"And how do you expect me to get back with Justin now that he's dating Linda?" Stella asked, her voice filled with anger and jealousy.
"We all know how much Justin loves you. I'm sure he'd take you back," Megan said.
"No, I can't do this," Stella said firmly.
"You have to do this, Stella," Carla insisted.
"Carla's right," Megan added. "Imagine if you were the one Justin bought the Mayweather bag for, not Linda. If you hadn't broken up with him, maybe he'd have bought you something even more extravagant."
Stella sighed, contemplating her friends' words as she continued to watch Justin and Linda from across the room. Her mind was filled with questions. Her friends were right. If only she hadn't broken up with Justin, then maybe she would have been the one receiving that luxurious gift. Maybe she would have known the secrets he was keeping.
But now, all she had were doubts and a burning curiosity. Could she really get back with Justin just to uncover his secrets? The thought of it made her uneasy, but her curiosity was stronger. She had to know.
"I don't know if I can do this," Stella finally said, her voice wavering.
"Stella, we're not asking you to do anything bad," Carla insisted. "Just get close to him again, find out more about his background. You don't even have to date him if you don't want to. Just talk to him."
Stella thought about it. She remembered the times she had spent with Justin, how kind and genuine he had always been. Maybe there was a way to approach him without being deceptive.
"Okay," she said, finally making up her mind. "I'll talk to him. But I'm not promising anything beyond that."
"That's all we ask," Megan said, patting her on the back. "Just see what you can find out."
"I'll talk to him, but not now," Stella said, and her friends nodded.
Stella saw her boyfriend, Kendrick, approaching them.
"Hey, babe," Kendrick greeted her with a smile .
"Hey," Stella replied with a forced smile as she rose to her feet.
Kendrick gave her a brief kiss before asking, "The party is almost over. Are you girls ready to go home?"
"Yeah," Carla and Megan nodded.
"Alright, let's go," Kendrick said.
"What about your twin sister? Don't you think she should also go home?" Stella asked, and Kendrick turned his gaze to Justin and Linda who were chatting and laughing at the bar.
"I don't care. She can come home whenever she wants," Kendrick replied, then he turned around and began walking to the exit.
Stella gave Justin and Linda one last glance before following Kendrick. Carla and Megan also followed her out of the place, and they alle entered Kendrick's car.
Meanwhile, Justin and Linda were still enjoying each other's company. Linda was feeling tipsy already, but Justin didn't drink much so his eyes were still clear.
Justin noticed Linda swaying slightly and took her hand to steady her. "Maybe we should get you some water," he suggested with a gentle smile.
Linda giggled, leaning on him for support. "Maybe you're right."
They made their way to a quieter corner where Justin found a waiter and requested a glass of water for Linda. As they waited, he took a moment to reflect on the night's events. The hostility from Michael, the unexpected kiss from Linda, and the luxurious party all felt surreal.
"Here you go," the waiter said, handing Justin the water.
Justin helped Linda drink, and she sighed in relief. "Thanks, Justin. You really are a lifesaver."
"Anytime," Justin replied, his eyes full of affection.
Linda looked around and noticed that the party was starting to wind down. "Looks like things are wrapping up. Do you want to head out?" she asked.
"Yeah, it's been quite a night," Justin agreed.
They made their way towards the exit, saying goodbye to a few people along the way. Once outside, the cool night air was refreshing. Justin took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him.
As they walked to Linda's car, Linda squeezed his hand. "Thank you for tonight, Justin. You made it special," she said with a smile.
"You made it special for me too, Linda," Justin said, opening the car door for her.
Since Linda was feeling tipsy, Justin decided to drive.
"Let's go to your place," Linda said as they settled in the car.
Justin smiled nervously, knowing that his dormitory wasn't that nice.
"Please, I want to spend the night with you," Linda pleaded a cute look on her face, and Justin couldn't say no.
"Alright, let's go to my place," Justin agreed, trying to hide his nerves as he started the car.
The drive was quiet but comfortable, with Linda resting her head on Justin's shoulder. He could feel her breath, warm and steady, and it filled him with a sense of calm. Despite his anxiety about bringing her to his modest dormitory, he was determined to make her feel at home.
When they arrived at the college dorms, Justin parked the car and helped Linda out. She looked around, taking in the surroundings, and smiled at him reassuringly. "It's cozy," she said, her voice soft and genuine.
Justin led her up to his room, unlocking the door and stepping aside to let her in first. His room was small and sparsely furnished, but he kept it tidy. Linda looked around, then turned to him with a smile. "It's nice, Justin. It feels like you."
He smiled and felt relieved. "I'm glad you think so," he said with a smile.
Linda walked over to his bed and sat down, kicking off her shoes. "Do you have anything comfortable I can wear to sleep?" she asked.
Justin rummaged through his drawer and found a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. "Here you go," he said, handing them to her.
"Thanks," Linda said, heading to the bathroom to change. When she came back, she looked adorable in his oversized clothes, and Justin couldn't help but smile.
He changed into his pajamas and joined her on the bed. They lay side by side, facing each other.
Linda reached out and took his hand. "This feels right," she said softly.
"It does," Justin agreed, squeezing her hand gently.
They talked quietly for a while, sharing stories about their lives and dreams. As the night wore on, Linda's eyes grew heavy, and she yawned. Justin wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.
"Goodnight, Justin," Linda murmured, her voice filled with warmth and contentment.
"Goodnight, Linda," Justin replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Linda fell asleep, wrapped in Justin's arms. Justin stared at her face as she slept. He was now dating the most popular girl in college even though she didn't know about his real identity. He was happy that she loved him for who he was and not what he had. For the first time in a long while, Justin's mind felt at peace. He now has everything he had been wishing for.
"This feels so good," Justin muttered before closing his eyes, then he fell asleep.