The party hall buzzed with energy as Sam mingled with the crowd. Known for his charisma and business acumen, Sam was now a wealthy, self-made man—a far cry from the young, hopeful lover Veronica had left behind. Little did she know the party she attended tonight was his, a celebration of his success.
Veronica, with her striking almond-green eyes and long brown hair, scanned the room, her chest tightening when her gaze landed on him. Her nerves escalated as she approached him, taking a deep breath before nervously saying,
"H-Hey…"
Sam turned, his face a mixture of surprise and restraint. "How are you?" he asked, his voice tense yet curious.
"I'm fine… and you?" Veronica's smile was faint, her voice wavering.
Sam's response was curt, his words heavy with unspoken emotions. "I'm doing well. Where have you been?"
Veronica sighed, avoiding his gaze. "I've just been… busy."
"Busy?" Sam's tone sharpened, frustration creeping in. "Just tell me, Veronica."
Her shoulders slumped as she muttered, "My parents… they didn't approve of us. They made me leave you."
Sam's eyes narrowed. "You could've told me! We could've faced it together!"
Tears welled up in Veronica's eyes. "They threatened to cut me off financially. I didn't know what else to do…"
"Are you 22 or 12, Veronica?" Sam shot back, his voice rising.
Her lip quivered as she whispered, "I know I hurt you… I didn't mean to."
"You didn't mean to? I was shattered, Veronica. I fell into depression for months because of you!"
Veronica's guilt weighed heavy as her voice cracked, "I'm sorry, Sam. Truly… I just didn't know how to fight them."
Sam shook his head, exhaling deeply. "I forgive you, but I'll never forget. Trust is gone, Veronica."
Before she could respond, a melodic voice broke the tension.
"Hi, my love," Yildiz greeted, her golden hair gleaming under the lights and her smile radiant as she approached Sam.
Sam's hardened expression softened as he turned to her. "Hi, darling. Meet Veronica, an old friend."
"Nice to meet you, Veronica," Yildiz said warmly, extending her hand.
Veronica forced a smile, her heart aching at the sight of Sam's ease with Yildiz. "Nice to meet you too…"
Sam wrapped an arm around Yildiz. "Let's go, darling. We don't want to keep people waiting."
Yildiz glanced back with a polite wave. "Goodbye, Veronica. See you around."
Veronica watched them leave, her chest tightening with regret and jealousy. Sam was happy, and she wasn't part of that happiness.
Later, when Sam took the stage to address the guests, Veronica was stunned to learn the party was his. The realization that Sam had risen to success after their breakup sent a wave of emotions crashing over her—pride, guilt, and longing.
After his speech, Sam approached her, his gaze sharp.
"Shocked, huh?" he said, his voice tinged with irony.
Veronica nodded slowly, unable to form words.
"You see what I've become, Veronica? The man you left behind."
She looked down, shame burning her cheeks. "I'm sorry… I wish I could take it back."
"You can't," Sam said coldly. "And I won't let you try."
Veronica's resolve hardened. "I'll win you back, Sam. You'll see."
Sam laughed bitterly. "Good luck. Let's see who wins."
As he walked away, hand in hand with Yildiz, Veronica clenched her fists. Despite the odds, she made a silent vow: she would do whatever it took to make Sam fall for her again.