Chapter 3
I was trying not to laugh. "Just a heads-up—make sure your company's info stays safe. Don't let anyone snap random photos."
After hanging up, I scrolled through Anthony's social media feed and saw a bunch of clueless classmates going wild with likes and praise.
[Anthony, you're a legend. Did you really pull it off?]
[If you ever make it big, don't forget about us.]
[Julia's probably kicking herself right now.]
Kicking herself?
I was cracking up so hard I thought I might die.
Anthony wasn't just living in his own fantasy world—he was trying to turn that fantasy into a weapon against me.
That night, a message suddenly popped up in the class group chat.
Anthony: [Hey, everyone, this Saturday is my girlfriend's birthday. To celebrate my new job at the Knowles Group, she's throwing a party at her Hillside Manor. We're all old classmates, so if you want to come and get a taste of the real high life, just hit me up. Spots are limited, so DM me to RSVP.]
Then, he specifically tagged me.
Anthony: [Julia, you should come too. Even though we broke up, I don't want you to stay so petty. Come see what the real upper class looks like—it might even help you with your future job hunt.
[Oh, and by the way, we're short a few people to serve drinks that night. If you're strapped for cash, I can hook you up. It's a thousand bucks for the night, paid on the spot.]
The group chat went dead silent.
This was straight-up humiliation.
Not only was he flaunting his rich girlfriend in front of everyone, but he also wanted to put me down, making me play the waitress while he showed off.
My phone buzzed with a private message from my bestie: [Holy crap, this guy is such a jerk! Julia, don't go! You'll just be handing him a free win.]
I looked at the screen, a slow smirk curling at the corner of my lips.
I'm going.
Why wouldn't I?
It's my house, my birthday party, and the day my mom's throwing a welcome party for me.
If he wants to play the host so badly, I'll let him.
I tapped out a reply: [Sure, I'll be there on time.]
Anthony shot back a smug emoji: [Make sure you dress appropriately. Don't embarrass me.]
Humph. Don't worry. I'll be the best-dressed one there.
*****
Saturday night, I walked up right on time to the entrance of Hillside Manor.
For tonight's big show, I slipped into a black velvet gown and fastened the pink diamond necklace Anthony had only glimpsed in magazines.
But before I could even make it to the front door, Anthony blocked my way, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Tonight, he was dressed up like some movie star about to grab an Oscar, with an over-the-top red rose pinned to his chest—clearly trying to act like he owned the place.
"Julia, do you even know the rules?" Anthony said, sizing me up.
For a second, he looked genuinely impressed, but that quickly faded into jealousy and sneering.
"Who are you trying to impress with that getup? This is a high-end private party, not one of your cheap back-alley hangouts. And didn't I tell you to use the staff entrance?"
He pointed at the narrow side path by the manor—the one they use for hauling trash and food deliveries.
"The servers change over there. I left a clean uniform for you. Go put it on. As long as you behave and just serve drinks tonight, I won't make things hard for you."
By now, a crowd of old classmates had gathered.
They were holding champagne—some looked uncomfortable, while others were just waiting for the drama to unfold.
"Anthony, come on, Julia was the star of our department. Isn't that a little harsh, making her work as a server?" a girl whispered.
Anthony immediately raised his voice, trying to make a scene in front of everyone. "What's so bad about it? She needs the experience. Julia's always been pampered, never had a taste of reality.
"Tonight she'll finally see what real high society looks like—maybe it'll help her get her head out of the clouds."
Then he turned to me, his voice full of fake concern.
"Are you listening, Julia? This is for your own benefit. Go get changed. She'll be out any minute, and I don't want her seeing any nobodies loitering at the entrance."