The grand hall was aglow with decorations, shimmering under the soft, golden light. Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air like a flame. The guests rejoiced, clinking glasses of champagne in celebration.
Emerald wasn't an invited guest, but she had tagged along with her friend Karl to partake in the festive atmosphere of the birthday party. Seated at a round table, they sat and watched the lively event, savoring the delicious goodies set before them.
As her gaze wandered toward the area reserved for special guests, she spotted Jersey. Her heart raced with anticipation. It had been years since she'd last seen her ex, Jersey. She couldn't help but allow her heart to wonder about Jersey's connection to the birthday celebrant.
Jersey, in his dress to kill, sat close to the birthday girl, a constant smile adorning his face as he conversed with Pearl's relatives. Emerald felt increasingly uncomfortable, but the desire to reconnect with him overpowered her fear. She summoned courage, adjusting her sequined dress that sparkled like stars.
"Hi, Jersey," she exclaimed, a burst of excitement causing her to forget about the lady by his side.
Jersey, turning toward the unexpected voice, was surprised. "Emerald! It's been ages. You look good."
Pearl, seemingly untroubled by the reunion, excused herself to bid farewell to departing guests. As the party gradually wound down, Emerald noticed Jersey making a phone call. seizing the chance, she approached him.
Jersey hung up the call, turned to face Emerald, and a silence settled between them. After a moment, Emerald broke it.
"Jes, it feels like we have been apart for years, but it's as if it all happened yesterday. I miss you," she said, her emotions laid bare.
Jersey regarded her words with a mixture of sadness. "Emerald, I'm not surprised to hear that from you, but we both know why we ended things."
Emerald nodded, struggling to hold back tears. "I know I caused everything. I was foolish, chasing after wealth, thinking it would solve everything. That's why I chose Andrew, who was filthy rich. But I've realized my mistake, and since then, I have been trying to reach you, but all my efforts have failed."
Jersey understood her remorse but also respected the path she had chosen in life. He took her hand gently and said, "Emerald, I had to accept it and move on. I have someone now who loves me not for my little wealth but genuinely."
Pearl, who had spotted the pair from a distance, approached them. Jersey held her hand and planted a tender kiss on her forehead. Without needing an introduction, Emerald understood that this was the woman Jersey had spoken about.
"Emerald, meet Pearl, my fiancée," Jersey introduced with a warm smile. "Pearl, this is Emerald, my ex and now a friend."
Emerald mustered a strained smile and extended her hand. "Nice to meet you."
She couldn't help but feel the depth of genuine love that existed between Jersey and Pearl. Regret washed over her for disregarding the love she had once cherished. It was a painful realization, biting at her like a self-inflicted wound. As she left the party, she carried with her heavy heart and pain knowing that she had let a gem slip away due to her infidelity and greed.