2024-11-25 19:10:53The luxury car dealership buzzed with quiet conversations and the hum of expensive engines. Colin stood at the entrance, his posture calm but resolute. Today wasn’t just about buying a car—it was about proving something to himself and to those who doubted him.
As he approached the sleek display models, a familiar voice called out. “Well, if it isn’t Colin Verus.”
Turning, Colin saw Decimus Brunus, his former college friend, lounging against a convertible. Decimus wore an expensive suit, his smirk as condescending as ever. Behind him stood a flashy middle-aged man dripping in gold jewelry, accompanied by a woman whose confidence was as bold as her revealing outfit.
“What are you doing here, Colin?” Decimus asked, feigning surprise. “Window shopping? Or did you get lost on your way to the used car lot?”
Colin’s expression remained neutral. “I’m here to buy a car. For my wife.”
The middle-aged man let out a booming laugh. “A car? From here? Looking like that? Kid, this place sells cars worth more than your yearly income!”
The woman leaned closer, her red lips curling into a sneer. “Oh, honey, don’t embarrass yourself. Do you even know what kind of clientele this dealership caters to? You look like you just crawled out of a thrift store.”
Colin ignored her, walking toward the display of high-end cars.
“Ah, still pretending to have money, I see,” Decimus chimed in, following him. “Reminds me of college. What was it you always used to say? ‘A man’s worth isn’t in his wallet but in his character’? That didn’t pay off too well, did it?”
Colin stopped in front of a two-million-dollar luxury sedan, admiring its sleek lines. “I’ll take this one,” he said to a nearby salesman.
The man blinked, clearly skeptical. “Sir, are you aware of the price of this vehicle?”
Colin nodded. “Two million. I’ll pay in full.”
The salesman raised an eyebrow. “And how exactly do you intend to—”
Before he could finish, Colin reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black card. The room seemed to freeze as the distinctive design of the Emperor Card caught the light.
Decimus’ smug grin faltered. The middle-aged man’s eyes widened. The woman tilted her head, trying to hide her surprise.
“Is that…?” Decimus stammered, his voice suddenly quieter.
The salesman’s attitude shifted instantly. “My apologies, sir! I didn’t realize—please, allow me to process this for you immediately.” He gestured for Colin to follow him, his earlier disdain replaced with deference.
The middle-aged man scratched his neck, his confidence visibly crumbling. “An Emperor Card, huh? You… uh, you must be someone important.”
Colin turned to him, his voice steady. “Does it matter? Weren’t you just mocking me for being out of place?”
The man’s face flushed. “I, uh, didn’t mean anything by it. Just some harmless banter, you know?”
The woman, however, wasn’t ready to back down. “Oh, please,” she scoffed. “Anyone can fake a fancy card these days. Let’s see if it actually works.”
Just then, the dealership manager hurried out, a mixture of excitement and nervousness on his face. “Mr. Verus! It’s an honor to have you here. Our boss has instructed us to gift you this car as a gesture of goodwill.”
The room fell silent.
Decimus gawked. “Gift him? This car? Are you serious?”
The woman crossed her arms, her skepticism unwavering. “This has to be some kind of mistake.”
The manager shook his head. “No mistake. Our boss values Mr. Verus’ patronage and wishes to establish a strong relationship.”
Colin raised a hand. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll pay for it myself.”
The manager hesitated. “Mr. Verus, please, it’s our pleasure—”
“No,” Colin interrupted firmly. “If I want to give this to my wife, it’ll be with my own money.”
The staff exchanged glances, admiration evident in their eyes. Even the previously dismissive salesman seemed impressed.
Decimus took a step forward, his tone defensive. “Alright, we get it. You’ve got money now. But don’t act like you’re better than the rest of us, Colin.”
Colin turned to him, his gaze piercing. “Better? No. But I don’t lie to friends or betray their trust. Unlike some people.”
Decimus’ face turned crimson. “That was years ago—”
“And yet, here you are,” Colin said, cutting him off, “still mocking others to feel better about yourself.”
The middle-aged man, sensing the shift in power, elbowed Decimus. “Apologize.”
“What?” Decimus spluttered.
“You heard me,” the man growled. “I’m not getting dragged down with you.”
Decimus clenched his jaw but muttered, “I’m sorry.”
The woman rolled her eyes. “Oh, give me a break. This is ridiculous.”
Colin met her gaze, his voice calm but firm. “And you? Still think I don’t belong here?”
She faltered, then mumbled something under her breath before storming out.
Colin turned to the manager. “I’d like these three banned from your dealership.”
The manager nodded immediately. “Consider it done.”
As Decimus and the others were escorted out, Colin finalized the purchase, arranging for the car to be delivered to Livia on her birthday.
Walking out of the dealership, Colin felt a weight lift from his shoulders. For the first time in years, he wasn’t just enduring humiliation—he was rising above it.
“I’ll prove my worth,” he thought, gripping the keys in his hand. “Not for them, but for Livia—for us.”
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