Chapter Eleven - The Invitation
672 Words
The campus buzzed with excitement.
Bright posters had appeared overnight on every noticeboard.
ASHTON UNIVERSITY ANNUAL CHARITY GALA An evening celebrating excellence, leadership and community.
Students crowded around them, reading the details.
"Free food."
Jake grinned.
"I'm going."
William laughed.
"That's your reason?"
Jake shrugged.
"I never said I had standards."
Vincent slowed as he read the poster.
His smile disappeared.
Sponsored by...
The Wynne Jewellery Group.
William noticed immediately.
"You okay?"
Vincent forced himself to look away.
"It's nothing."
Jake folded his arms.
"It definitely isn't nothing."
Vincent slipped his hands into his pockets.
"I just don't like formal events."
William chuckled.
"You? In a suit?"
"I wear one when I have to."
"I need photographic evidence."
Vincent rolled his eyes.
"You'll never get it."
Later that afternoon...
Professor Bennett called Vincent into his office.
"Come in."
The office walls were covered with engineering awards and framed photographs of graduating classes.
The professor handed Vincent a cream-coloured envelope.
"I've been asked to give you this personally."
Vincent recognised the embossed crest before he even opened it.
The Wynne family crest.
His stomach sank.
"It appears you've been selected as one of our outstanding engineering students."
Vincent looked up.
"The scholarship nominees are being honoured at the gala."
"I don't want to attend."
Professor Bennett blinked.
"I'm afraid attendance is compulsory."
Vincent's heart sank.
That evening...
The dorm room was unusually quiet.
William was lying on his bed, tossing a football into the air.
"You've been staring at that invitation for twenty minutes."
Vincent sighed.
"I have to go."
"So go."
"It's not that simple."
William caught the football.
"Then make it simple."
Vincent smiled sadly.
"I wish I could."
A knock interrupted them.
Jake stepped inside carrying a garment bag.
"I come bearing fashion."
William groaned.
"I'm scared already."
Jake unzipped the bag dramatically.
Inside hung a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
William whistled.
"Who's that for?"
Jake pointed.
"Our genius."
Vincent frowned.
"I didn't order this."
"You didn't."
Jake handed him a small card.
"Prepared especially for Mr. Vincent Wynne."
No signature.
No explanation.
He didn't need one.
Connor.
William's smile faded.
"Your family?"
Vincent nodded once.
"They always know my measurements."
The room fell silent.
Jake quietly excused himself.
"I'll... leave you two."
After the door closed...
William spoke softly.
"You don't have to wear it."
Vincent looked at the tuxedo.
"I do."
"No."
William sat up.
"You don't."
Vincent laughed without humour.
"You don't understand."
"Then help me understand."
Vincent wanted to.
More than anything.
He looked at William.
Really looked at him.
At the concern in his eyes.
At the patience.
At the kindness.
The truth pressed against his lips.
I'm the heir to one of the richest families in the country.
My father has planned my entire future.
He wants me to marry someone I don't love.
The words refused to come.
Instead...
"I can't."
William looked disappointed.
Not angry.
Just...
Sad.
"Okay."
One word.
But it hurt Vincent more than any argument could have.
Across the city...
Connor Wynne stood in the grand ballroom where the charity gala would take place.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead.
Workers arranged tables decorated with white roses and gold accents.
Connor inspected every detail.
His assistant approached.
"Everything is ready."
"And my son?"
"He'll attend."
Connor gave a single nod.
"He always does."
"What about the football player?"
Connor's expression hardened.
"Mr. Moretti."
"Yes, sir."
Connor adjusted his cufflinks.
"I'd like to meet him."
Back at the dorm...
William stood on the balcony overlooking campus.
The cool evening breeze rustled the trees below.
Vincent stepped outside carrying two mugs of Earl Grey.
"You remembered."
"I always do."
William accepted the mug.
For several minutes they stood in comfortable silence.
Then William smiled.
"If I have to wear a tuxedo for this gala..."
He sighed dramatically.
"...I'm blaming you."
Vincent laughed.
"You'll survive."
William looked sideways at him.
"As long as you're there."
Neither of them realised how much those words meant.
But somewhere deep inside...
Something had already begun to change.
- Writer
