NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1 - Class Reunion
"Marian, where are you now?"
Zoe, sitting at the table and visibly impatient, tapped her nails on the screen as she called Marian.
Marian glanced at the bustling street outside, tilting her head to spot the luxury hotel sign in the distance.
"I just got off the subway, heading to the hotel. I should be there in about five minutes," she replied.
Zoe sighed audibly on the other end. "Don't you dare get lost. We're all waiting for you in Suite 101. Be quick!"
Marian hurriedly apologized and hung up. Breaking into a jog, she finally spotted the grand "Eldorado Hotel" sign glittering under the streetlights.
Tonight was the five-year reunion of the Class of 2017 from the Finance School of Sterling University. Word was that one of the alumni had secured the most luxurious hotel in town just for this event, with professors and deans from the university also invited.
Marian stopped at a pedestrian crossing, giving way to a car as it approached. She hesitated but decided it wasn't worth risking her life over; the speeding SUV, polished and expensive, roared past as she stepped back.
Moments later, she entered the hotel. Trying not to draw attention, Marian walked across the opulent lobby, adorned with chandeliers and marble floors. She couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur—it was far removed from the mundane world she was used to.
When she finally reached the private suite, the familiar chatter of old classmates greeted her.
As soon as Zoe spotted her, she sprang up, throwing her arms around Marian. "You're finally here! I was just about to call again."
From across the room, Li Lin, another classmate, smirked. "Marian, you're late! No excuses, okay? Oh, and by the way, I'm selling cars now. If you ever need one, come to me. I'll even give you a 5% discount for old times' sake."
"Stop bragging," quipped Sam, leaning on the bar. "You're making it sound like you own the entire dealership!"
Li Lin shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, margins are tight these days. Can't blame me for hustling."
Marian laughed. "Stop teasing me—I'm still trying to save up for a car, let alone think about buying one."
Zoe chimed in, "Honestly, with gas prices and subsidies now, who even buys cars anymore?"
Just as Marian was settling into the conversation, snippets of gossip floated over from a nearby table.
"Did you hear? Aaron's attending the reunion tonight."
"What?! Aaron? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. He just came back from the U.S., apparently a CEO now. They say his net worth is in the billions."
"Honestly, who cares? Just because he's from Sterling doesn't mean we have to worship him. This is a top-tier university—being rich doesn't make him special."
Marian's fingers tensed around the glass in her hand. She could feel her pulse quickening as she overheard the discussion, even though she kept her gaze fixed on the champagne flute.
When Aaron finally entered the room, it was as if the air shifted. Heads turned, and all eyes were on him. He moved with an ease that spoke of confidence and authority, dressed in a tailored suit that exuded wealth.
Zoe noticed Marian stiffen. Teasingly, she nudged her. "Marian, weren't you the one who said you wouldn't care if he came? Why so nervous now?"
Marian forced a smile, refusing to meet Aaron's gaze.
"Relax," Zoe added. "It's not like he's going to sit next to us."
Moments later, Aaron's unmistakable voice resonated through the room, engaging a small crowd of admirers. Marian quietly leaned into her seat, feigning indifference while her heart raced.
Zoe nudged her again, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Shall we move to another restaurant? We don't have to stick around if it's awkward."
Marian shook her head, her lips curling into a faint smile. "What's the point? It's been years—I've moved on."
Even as she said the words, she couldn't help but notice how time seemed to compress, dredging up memories that had long been buried. But she was determined. Tonight, she would play it cool—after all, Aaron's presence no longer had the power to shake her.