COLIN VERUS, A MAN REBORN

Chapter 4

Colin walked out of the dealership with his next stop in mind. Behind him, Mia hurried to catch up, her heels clicking on the pavement. “Wait, Colin,” she called, her tone markedly different from the mockery she’d used earlier.

He slowed his pace but didn’t turn to face her. “What is it, Mia?”

She hesitated, then flashed a nervous smile. “About earlier… I may have been a little harsh. You know how these places are. They bring out the worst in people.”

Colin raised an eyebrow. “Does that include mocking others for their appearance?”

Mia laughed awkwardly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Come on, don’t hold it against me. You’ve clearly moved up in the world. Speaking of which…” She paused, her eyes sparkling with intent. “There’s this necklace I’ve been eyeing. It’s at that jewelry store on Fifth Avenue. It’s perfect, but, you know… a bit out of my budget.”

Colin looked at her, his face unreadable. “And?”

“Well,” she said, flashing her most charming smile, “you could get it for me. Consider it a little… thank-you gift for all the fun memories we share.”

Without hesitation, Colin nodded. “Alright.”

Mia’s jaw dropped slightly. She hadn’t expected him to agree so easily. “Really? You’re serious?”

“Let’s go,” he said simply, walking toward the street where the store was located.

The jewelry store was a picture of opulence, its glass displays filled with sparkling treasures. Colin and Mia stepped inside, and the salesclerk glanced at them, her expression flickering with disdain.

“Can I… help you?” she asked, her voice laced with skepticism as she took in their modest appearances.

Colin walked to the counter, pointing to a necklace adorned with diamonds. “That one. How much?”

The clerk smirked. “Sir, that piece is priced at $25,000. Are you sure you’re in the right store?”

Mia’s face reddened with embarrassment, but Colin remained calm. He pulled out his Emperor Card and handed it over. “Charge it.”

The clerk’s smirk vanished, replaced by wide-eyed shock. She fumbled with the card before rushing to process the payment. A few moments later, the store manager approached, his demeanor overly respectful.

“Mr. Verus, we deeply appreciate your patronage,” the manager said, bowing slightly. “As a token of our gratitude, we’d like to present you with this pair of exclusive couple rings, complimentary for esteemed clients such as yourself.”

Colin glanced at the rings, elegant and sparkling in their display case. He shook his head. “No, thank you. She’s just a friend.”

Mia’s face fell slightly, but she quickly composed herself. “Colin, you’re too modest. I’m sure your wife will be thrilled with your generosity.”

Colin handed her the necklace, his tone cool. “I hope it brings you joy.”

Mia accepted the gift, unsure whether to feel elated or chastised.

The annual Aurelius family meeting was already in full swing by the time Livia arrived. The grand hall buzzed with chatter, the air thick with the family’s usual mix of wealth and arrogance. She took her seat next to her parents, her expression calm but guarded.

Across the table, her cousin Vulpes wasted no time. “Ah, Livia,” he said loudly, a mocking grin on his face. “It’s good to see you could make it. I was worried you might be too busy counting pennies with your husband.”

Livia ignored him, her gaze steady.

“Come on, don’t be shy,” Vulpes continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Tell us, how’s life in the bargain bin? Still driving that rust bucket, or has Colin managed to buy you something with four working wheels yet?”

Several family members laughed, their elitist amusement filling the room.

Aunt Sabina chimed in, fanning herself dramatically. “You really should teach that husband of yours some ambition, Livia. He’s such a… what’s the word? Oh, right—liability.”

Livia’s father, Lucius, shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. Aemilia, as always, remained composed, though the slight curl of her lips hinted at her approval of the taunts.

Livia took a deep breath, refusing to let them see her frustration. “Colin is working harder than any of you could imagine,” she said evenly. “And he doesn’t need to flaunt wealth to prove his worth.”

Vulpes let out a loud laugh. “Oh, really? I suppose you’re going to tell us next that he’s secretly a billionaire.”

Before Livia could respond, the butler entered the room, bowing deeply. “A delivery has arrived,” he announced.

The family murmured in confusion as the butler wheeled in a grand box, wrapped in rich fabric with an ornate bow.

“What’s this?” Sabina asked, leaning forward with curiosity.

“The sender’s identity is unknown,” the butler replied. “However, the gift is addressed to the Aurelius family.”

Vulpes smirked. “Let me guess—Livia scraped together her savings for a desperate attempt to impress us.”

Livia’s cheeks burned, but she stayed silent, determined not to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

“Or maybe her parents sent it,” Vulpes continued, his voice growing louder. “Trying to cover for their son-in-law’s incompetence?”

The laughter grew, but Livia kept her composure, her mind racing. She had no idea who could have sent the gift, but the grandeur of the package suggested significance far beyond what anyone expected.

The butler unwrapped the box, revealing a stunning centerpiece—a handcrafted sculpture made of pure gold, encrusted with precious stones. The room fell silent as the family stared in awe.

“Well,” Sabina finally said, breaking the silence, “whoever sent it has impeccable taste.”

Vulpes, still recovering from his earlier mockery, muttered, “There’s no way this has anything to do with Livia or Colin.”

But Livia couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow, her husband was behind this.

As the family speculated about the mysterious sender, she remained quiet, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Colin,” she thought, “what have you done this time?”