Night had fallen softly over the city—Mark's birthday. Justin had prepared two gifts for the man: a limited-edition watch and a one-of-a-kind designer tie.
"I hope he likes my gifts and doesn't brush them off the way Saul always did," he muttered, finishing getting ready.
Once he was set, Justin left the house and headed for Mark's place. He was nervous—he'd be seeing Saul again, and likely some of the people who'd witnessed his failed confessions in the past. Meanwhile, Mark's house glowed with warm lights that danced to the rhythm of soft music. In the living room, Mark stood among a group of friends and business associates, each holding a glass, laughing and trading stories from years of friendship.
"By the way, I heard that kid Justin is back in the city," one of the guests remarked.
"I heard the same thing. Saul, has he confessed to you again?"
"That's right—last time, he promised he'd come back and confess once he returned."
"Saul, you should reject him for good. It's embarrassing that some kid keeps damaging your reputation with his nonsense."
"Exactly. If it were me, I'd have beaten the shit out of him so he'd never dare bother me again."
"Don't be ridiculous. Justin's a kind, well-mannered, intelligent young man. The crazy things he did as a teenager were just that—the foolishness of a young person figuring out his life," Mark said, eyeing the man with open displeasure.
"Mark's right. His youthful antics shouldn't be held against him. He's just an immature kid," Saul added.
While the conversation continued, Justin arrived, dressed casually but sharp. The moment he walked in, the men started whispering, and the younger ones began openly mocking him.
"Look at him—still following Mr. Villar around like a dog."
"I'll bet my Ferrari those gifts are for another confession to Mr. Villar."
"How humiliating. Wasn't all the rejection and public embarrassment enough?"
While the young men whispered, Justin walked past them with his head held high, making straight for the older group.
"I'm telling you, Saul—get rid of that man before he ruins your relationship."
"How disgusting, being pursued by another man. If he confessed to me even once, I'd smash his face in."
"Enough with the idiotic comments. Justin is my guest, and you will treat him with respect," Mark demanded.
Justin reached the older group and, for a moment, glanced at Saul, who was watching him with annoyance.
"Justin, I already told you—" Before Saul could finish, Justin cut him off, greeting Mark with a handshake.
"Happy birthday, Mr. Varvein. Wishing you a long life, good health, and prosperity."
"Thank you so much, Justin."
"I hope you like my gift." He extended two bags toward him.
Seeing that both bags were for Mark, Saul was a little surprised but also relieved that the boy wasn't going to cause a scene at Mark's birthday.
"I'm sure I will. Thanks again for coming."
"Didn't you bring a gift for Saul?"
"Don't ruin Mark's birthday with your nonsense."
"I hope your time abroad changed that disgusting way you think about men."
"If you're all going to keep insulting my guest, I'd suggest you leave. You're the ones ruining the atmosphere with your comments," Mark said firmly.
"Don't worry about it, Mr. Varvein. I understand that my immaturity in the past was embarrassing, especially in front of such conservative and backward gentlemen."
"Justin, watch your language. You're speaking to your elders," Saul said, visibly irritated by the boy's words.
"Saul, please—don't lecture Justin about respect when they're the ones insulting him."
"Mr. Varvein is right. You earn respect by giving it. Otherwise, you deal with the consequences."
"Don't worry about them, Justin. Go enjoy the drinks and food. I'll be over in a few minutes to chat."
"Thank you, Mr. Varvein."
Justin walked away from the group, Saul's gaze following him closely. The older man was thrown by Justin's responses and his complete indifference. It was the first time the boy hadn't lowered his head and apologized.
"It's for the best. If he keeps this up, he won't cause any problems with my partner."
Justin looked around, taking in the elegantly arranged tables, adorned with simple but sophisticated centerpieces.
Everything's understated but elegant... very fitting for his personality, he thought, breathing in the aroma drifting from the kitchen.
Mark had hired a catering service to prepare a selection of gourmet appetizers that made his mouth water. From mini brochettes to canapes, everything was designed to satisfy the most demanding palate—and above all, to suit Justin's tastes.
Those idiots... as if they're any better than me. They're just bargaining chips for their fathers, he thought, watching the women who stared at him and laughed mockingly.
In a corner of the living room, a pair of young women—daughters of some of Mark's business partners—were talking about Justin and laughing. Looking to provoke and humiliate him, they walked over.
"I thought you'd have a shred of decency and never show your face in this city again, especially not in front of Mr. Villar."
"What's it like to be rejected and humiliated in public?"
"You should get those stupid ideas out of your head and stop bothering Mr. Villar. All you do is disgust him."
"You're the ones with no shame, coming here to sell yourselves to Mr. Varvein—and now you want to lecture me? You should get those stupid ideas out of your own heads. Mr. Varvein isn't someone that manipulative little sluts can just throw themselves at."
"You goddamn asshole!" one of the women screamed.
Hearing the outburst, the woman's father and several other men hurried over to find out what was going on.
"Father, this asshole is insulting me for no reason."
"It's not for no reason. She and her friends offered me a group orgy, and I turned them down—since I have no idea what diseases they might be carrying," Justin replied calmly.
"That's not true! We never said that!"
"He's lying about us!"
"They clearly offered me an orgy. They said it was a sexual fantasy they wanted to fulfill before climbing into bed with someone as old as Mr. Varvein."
Justin (25 years old) 👇👇👇👇
SAUL (40 years old) 👇👇👇
MARK (42 years old) 👇👇👇👇
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