She couldn't help but gasp. "Wow, Julia, this place is stunning! And your dress, my goodness, you amazing girl. I can't believe you're living here now."
Julia chuckled. "I know, it's a bit fancy, but we're just renting for now. Thank you for complimenting my looks."
Samantha noticed a sleek white Mercedes parked outside. "Wait, is that your car? Did he buy that for you? Julia smiled mischievously. "Maybe... maybe he did."
Samantha's jaw dropped. "When did he buy it for you? And how did you manage to convince him?"
Julia laughed and said, I didn't have to convince him. "Let's just say he's a very generous husband."
Samantha raised an eyebrow. "Did you contribute to the cost of the car at all?"
Julia shook her head. "No, Max wouldn't let me. He said I should save my money, and he'll take care of everything."
Samantha whistled. "Wow, he's a very sensible man, isn't he?"
Julia nodded enthusiastically. "He's indeed an amazing man, Samantha. And so supportive. He works really hard every day, and he's always looking out for me."
Samantha's expression turned serious. "Be careful, Julia. He's handsome, and he is doing well, a lot of women might want him."
Julia thought it twice for a moment before she reassured her friend. "Don't worry, Samantha. I trust him completely. He gives me his entire salary, and he's always busy with work. I'm not worried about him cheating on me."
Samantha nodded, seemingly convinced. "Okay, good then. I just want you to be happy, Julia."
As they arrived at the Swiss Restaurant for the reunion dinner, immediately Julia's classmates saw her, they couldn't help but stare at her stunning Versace dress and luxurious car. She noticed and beamed with pride, knowing she had found a true partner in Max.
As they stepped out of the car, Julia saw the grand decorations of the Swiss Restaurant. She knew a meal here would cost so much, she had to inquire from her friend.
"Samantha, we're going Dutch tonight, right? I really don't want to break the bank," she said, her voice laced with concern.
Samantha hesitated, she didn't know how to open up to Julia, her expression revealing a hint of guilt. "Uh, actually, Julia, William had organized this reunion, and he's covering the costs. He wanted to make sure you feel special."
Julia was furious. "Special? What do you mean?"
Samantha took a deep breath. "Let's just say William had his intention of organizing this reunion. He had Mrs Davidson too. Everyone except you knew he did all of this for you, and he wanted to see you again."
Julia's face showed a look of disappointment , her mind racing with thoughts. She respected Mrs Davidson too much to turn back now. "Let's go," she said finally, her voice firm.
Samantha smiled and grasped Julia's hand. "We're here for Mrs Davidson, not for William or anyone else. And please, Julia, don't mention this to your husband. I don't want him to misunderstand my intentions."
Julia chuckled. "Don't worry, Samantha. Max is not petty. He trusts me."
As they entered the private area, all eyes turned to Julia, the special guest of honor. The air was electric with anticipation, and Jula knew she was the reason for this grand reunion.
"Welcome, Julia!" William exclaimed, his smile wide. "We've all been waiting for you."
Julia smiled graciously, her eyes scanning the room. "Thank you, William. It's great to see you all again."
Mrs Davidson approached her, her eyes warm. "Julia, my beautiful, intelligent and bright girl. You've grown into an amazing woman. I'm so proud of you."
Julia blushed, feeling a sense of pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs Davidson. That means a lot coming from you."
Immediately Julia and Samantha entered the room, the chatter and laughter came to an abrupt halt. All eyes fixed on Julia, her stunning Versace dress and a Louboutin heels, leaving everyone in awe. Julia's gaze lingered, she could feel the admiration from the people around her.
"Wow, Julia. You look breathtaking!" Samantha whispered, her voice barely audible over the silence, they all just can't take their eyes off you, especially William.
Julia blushed, her cheeks flushed pink. "Thanks, Samy. Max helped me pick out the dress."
William was at a loss for words, he and Julia had not seen each other for years now, he'd waited so long for this moment, and now, that day had finally come. His voice was stuck in his throat, his tone laced with envy. "Did he? Huh! Well, I guess he's got an eye for styles. I see he's got something."
As the room slowly came back to life, the chatter and laughter resumed, but with a newfound intensity. The group of 20 men and women, all former classmates, couldn't help but stare at Julia, their eyes filled with a mix of admiration and envy.
"Damn, Julia, you're still so beautiful" one of the men whispered, his voice swept across the room.
Julia's wasn't really moved by all their pleasantries. She knew most of them didn't like her and she could be careless. But this time, with a hint of confidence, she said, "Stop it, guys. It's been a decade. We're all grown up now."
Max's voice echoed in her mind, his words of wisdom before she left for the reunion: "Remember, Julia, these people are just trying to make comparisons. They want to see who's doing better, who's got the better career, the better partner. But you're already a winner in my eyes. Just be yourself, and they'll all be green with envy."
Julia straightened her shoulders, her confidence boosted by Max's words. She knew she had nothing to prove to these people. She was already a success in her own right.
As the night wore on, the conversations grew more lively, with everyone catching up on each other's lives. Julia found herself surrounded by a group of admirers, all vying for her attention.
"So, Julia, what have you been up to all these years?" one of them asked, his eyes lingering on her curves.
"I've been working as a fashion designer," Julia replied, her voice confident. "I've had my own label for a few years now."
"No way! That's amazing," another woman exclaimed. "I always knew you had a talent for design."
William, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Julia, you're still the same talented and beautiful person you were in school. You're just more mature now, like a fine wine."
Julia laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, William, That's very kind of you to say." Julia wasn't moved by his pleasantries, she just had to be polite.
But as the night wore on, Julia began to feel a growing sense of discomfort. She realized that these people, her former classmates, were still stuck in the past, still competing with each other, still trying to one-up each other.
"Excuse me, guys," Julia said, standing up. "I need to go to the restroom."
As she walked away, she heard William's voice behind her. "Hey, Julia, wait up! I need to talk to you about something."