Chapter 79

Lisa wasn't going to reply anytime soon. I closed the chat and opened my social media feed. To my surprise, I saw a set of carefree photos posted by Derick. It wasn't only him, but others too. There was an image of several glasses clinking together. I recognized one of the hands—it was Chris's. Because on his finger was a cheap ring I had given him. The sight of that ring now made me cringe at my immaturity. It was a matching set; I had the other one. I bought them on my 18th birthday for 999 dollars. I wore the women's style and gave him the men's. He teased me then about trying to tie him down. But he never wore it again. When I hinted at it, he said he was afraid people would laugh at him. Laugh at how cheap it was. I understood what he meant. How could someone of his status wear a ring that cost just a few hundred dollars? But it was bought with the first money I earned from tutoring. After that, I never mentioned the ring again, and he never wore it. Yet here he was, we