The Njeri family's gala was the social event of the season.
The ballroom of the Fairmont Norfolk glowed with golden chandeliers and shimmering drapes. Expensive champagne flowed like water, and Nairobi's wealthiest families mingled in tailored suits and glittering gowns.
The air was thick with perfume, laughter, and whispers of business deals worth millions.
---
When Lydia stepped into the ballroom, a ripple went through the crowd.
She was breathtaking.
The Valérie DuPont gown clung to her frame in all the right places, the delicate silk and intricate beadwork glinting under the chandeliers. Heads turned. Eyes widened. Even the women who had come in couture themselves couldn't help but stare.
For the first time in months, Lydia felt… seen.
But just behind her, Ethan followed in his same simple clothes.
And instantly, the whispers started.
---
"Is that Lydia? Wow, that gown—where did she get it?"
"But who's that man with her? Isn't that the husband she married after being dumped?"
"Look at his shoes. He's clearly poor. Must've borrowed money for the dress."
The cruel laughter spread like wildfire.
---
Miriam Njeri, standing near the main table, froze for a moment when she saw the gown.
Then her eyes narrowed.
So he did manage to buy something.
But that didn't change anything.
To Miriam, Ethan was still a nobody.
---
Melissa Kamau made her entrance a few minutes later, clinging to Adrian's arm.
She spotted Lydia instantly and almost choked on her own smugness.
But then her eyes fell on the gown.
Her smile faltered for half a second.
"That's… Valérie DuPont," she muttered.
Adrian glanced at Lydia briefly, his expression unreadable.
---
Melissa recovered quickly, forcing a laugh.
"Well, good for her," she said louder, drawing attention. "She finally got to wear something expensive. Though I'm guessing it cost her husband his entire year's savings."
The crowd chuckled.
---
Patrick Njeri raised his glass, catching Lydia's attention.
"Ah, you're here," he said loudly, making sure people heard. "I see your husband somehow scraped together enough for a gown. I was expecting you in something more… modest."
More laughter.
---
Lydia's cheeks flushed.
She wanted to disappear.
But Ethan… remained completely calm.
He didn't even blink.
---
A well-known businessman, Mr. Oduor, strolled over with a smug smile.
"Patrick," he said in a tone dripping with mockery, "is this the famous son-in-law we've been hearing about? The one who married your daughter after Adrian's wedding?"
Patrick smirked.
"Yes. This is Ethan."
Mr. Oduor laughed openly.
"Well, young man, I hope you know how lucky you are. Most men in your position wouldn't even be allowed through the front door of this gala."
---
Miriam joined in, her voice cold but polite.
"You should thank Patrick for even inviting you. After all, you don't exactly belong in rooms like these."
She gestured around at the glittering elite.
"This is real society. Not whatever little world you come from."
---
The laughter around them grew louder.
Lydia's nails dug into her palm. She opened her mouth to say something, but Ethan spoke first.
His tone was calm.
"This room looks impressive," he said lightly, glancing around.
"But I've seen better."
---
The laughter stopped for a beat.
Melissa blinked, then laughed loudly.
"Oh, that's rich. You've seen better? Where? In the flea market? Maybe in the second-hand section?"
More chuckles erupted.
---
Adrian finally turned to Ethan, his voice dripping with quiet disdain.
"You should be careful with your words, friend. Not everyone here is as tolerant of jokes as I am."
Ethan just smiled faintly.
"Who said I was joking?"
---
Before anyone could respond, the Master of Ceremonies announced the start of the evening auction—a charity event where Nairobi's elite would bid on rare items.
Melissa and Adrian immediately moved closer to the front row.
Patrick and Miriam took seats near them.
Lydia hesitated, unsure if they were even welcome to sit there.
---
"Come," Ethan said softly, guiding her toward the same front row without hesitation.
People stared as they sat down.
Patrick whispered harshly to Miriam, "What is he doing sitting there?"
Miriam's lips tightened.
"He's about to embarrass himself even more."
---
The first item was unveiled—an antique diamond necklace, one-of-a-kind, starting bid at two million shillings.
Melissa's hand shot up first.
"Two point five million!"
Adrian smirked.
Another guest raised it to three million.
Then another to four.
The crowd buzzed with excitement.
---
Melissa turned and gave Lydia a pointed look.
"Can you even imagine owning something like this?" she said sweetly. "Oh wait… no, you can't."
Lydia stayed silent.
Ethan simply watched the bidding calmly.
---
When the price reached six million, the MC asked,
"Any higher? Going once, going twice—"
Ethan's hand went up.
The room fell silent.
---
"Ten million," Ethan said evenly.
---
Every head turned.
The MC blinked.
Melissa's smile froze.
Patrick choked on his wine.
Miriam stared.
Adrian's brows furrowed, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
---
"Sir… did you say ten million?" the MC asked, stunned.
Ethan nodded.
"Cash."
---
The crowd erupted in whispers.
Melissa stammered.
"H-he's bluffing. He can't—he doesn't have that kind of money!"
---
But the MC confirmed the bid.
"Sold! To the gentleman in the white shirt."
The diamond necklace was carefully brought to Ethan.
He took it calmly and handed it to Lydia.
"This would look good on you," he said softly.
---
Lydia's lips parted in shock.
The entire gala stared in stunned silence.
For the first time, no one dared laugh.
---
In a quiet corner, a man in a black suit made another call.
"Young Master Ethan just outbid the entire room. He paid ten million in cash."
The deep voice on the other end replied,
"Good. Let the whispers spread. Soon, they'll realize they were mocking a man they can't afford to offend."