A Decade’s Reunion novel

---- Chapter 3 On my way back to the banquet hall, my wife called. "T just heard from your assistant that you fell into a flowerbed while trying to save a kid. Are you hurt?" Her voice was filled with concern, a hint of worry seeping through the line. Icouldn't help but smile. "No, I'm fine. Don't worry." "Good! I've still got a few things to finish up here. T'll join you as soon as I'm done." "Alright, take your time.

See you soon!" Ihung up, the smile still lingering on my lips, even as the class rep called my name, reminding me that Professor Warren would be a bit late. He grinned, urging me over, ''Come on, havea drink with us! It's been years! And Sophia brought this special bottle back for us!" ---- The moment I stepped through the door, James was already waiting there. Before I could even politely decline, he shoved a glass into my hand.

"Here, Alex, have a taste!" Everyone had gathered around James and Sophia, showering them with compliments about the wine. I took a small sip before setting the glass down. To be honest, the wine was pretty average. Plus, my wife and I were trying for a baby, so I was trying to avoid alcohol. I thought a token sip would be enough, but James clung to me like a piece of stubborn gum. He kept pressing me to give my "expert" opinion on the wine.

Everyone in the room had spent years in the game, so they knew exactly what he was doing. Seeing me stay silent, a few others jumped in to fan the flames. ---- "Oh, looks like Alex can't tell good wine from bad. " "Hey, don't mind him. He can't see the wood for the trees and has no appreciation for the finer things!" "Ah, but you know Professor Warren. He's always been generous.

Regardless of whether you're a top student or a nobody, he invited everyone tonight." "Come on, everyone remembers how Alex used to hang around Professor Warren back in the day, always trying to get on his good side." Their words dripped with thinly veiled mockery, and James's grin only grew wider. "Alright, I just thought Alex might want to try the wine, that's all. No hard feelings." His tone was all smiles, but his eyes flashed with smug satisfaction.

Neither did I have the patience for this petty drama, nor did I feel like dealing with a room full of fair-weather friends. I stepped aside and