High school reunions are strange events.

Everyone shows up pretending they’re just there to reconnect… but deep down it becomes a silent competition over who turned out the most successful.

That night I sat quietly at a small table in the corner of the restaurant, slowly sipping a glass of orange juice.

I wore a simple white blouse and dark slacks.
No flashy jewelry.
No designer handbag.

Just comfortable clothes.

Across the room, I noticed Amanda Lawson walking toward me. Back in high school she had been the self-appointed queen of everything—and apparently adulthood hadn’t changed her much.

Behind her were her loyal sidekicks, Tiffany and Rachel.

Amanda suddenly squealed loudly.

“Oh wow! Emily Carter, is that really you?” she exclaimed dramatically so half the restaurant could hear. “You still dress so… simple. Tell me, are you still single?”

The three of them burst out laughing.

Tiffany proudly lifted her hand, flashing a diamond ring.

“Well, unlike some people, we’re happily married,” she said smugly. “My husband is a Senior Manager at Hamilton Global Corporation. He just got a huge bonus last month and bought me this Louis Vuitton bag.”

Rachel immediately chimed in.