Chapter 10: A Stunning Gift Box

"I know, right? How could a loser like Trevor win Corrie's favor? She's the prettiest girl here!" "I'm sure his hands smell terrible by now!" "What a loser! If you don't know your place, that's what you'll get!" Trevor's pale face turned livid as the crowd erupted in laughter. 'Do I deserve this humiliation just because I'm poor?'

Anger boiled inside him. If not for Bessie, he would have left. Unfortunately, no one cared about his feelings.

Noticing her coach's gloomy expression, Bernard knew she was reaching her limit. Although he'd started it, he didn't dare push too far. He quickly laughed and said, "Everyone, stop laughing at him. We mustn't ruin Miss Taylor's birthday. Let's see your gifts! Show us what you got for her. Let's decide which is the best."

Bernard gathered everyone's attention, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. He felt he'd accomplished something. Then, he placed a delicate perfume bottle on the table.

"Wow, what a beautiful perfume! It must be expensive!" "Bernard's so rich! That gift must have cost a fortune!"

Even Corrie was amazed.

"This is a new, limited-edition Hermès perfume! It costs over ten thousand dollars!" she exclaimed. She'd wanted it for a long time but hadn't bought it because of the price; that's how she recognized it instantly.

'Wow! A ten-thousand-dollar perfume—that's way beyond a student's budget!'

Bernard's complacent smile widened at the admiration in Corrie's eyes. He reveled in the envious stares of the crowd. He glanced at Trevor and taunted, "Trevor, you got Miss Taylor a gift too, right? Show us."

"I already gave it to her when I arrived."

Trevor glanced at the group, then gently at Bessie. "Miss Taylor, why don't you show them my gift?"

Bessie gestured to them. "Don't compare the value of your gifts. I like them all equally."

Trevor's expression darkened. He knew she was trying to spare him embarrassment. He was poor; he couldn't afford expensive gifts. But things had changed. He believed his gift was priceless.

"Miss Taylor, it's okay. Show them," he insisted, looking at her firmly. Nervously, she pulled a beautifully wrapped present from her bag.

As soon as the velvet box emerged, a beautiful light shone from it. The room fell silent.

"It's so beautiful!" Bessie gasped, astonished by its magnificence. 'What a gorgeous gift box!'

Astonishment swept the room. Even Bernard was shocked. Something felt wrong.

"Trevor, I bet you found that box in a dumpster outside a rich neighborhood. It's beautiful! You're so thoughtful for getting Miss Taylor such a pretty present," Bernard said, still unconvinced, still hoping for Trevor's humiliation. He paused, then continued his teasing. "Since you brought me a gift, I don't care what's inside. Your thoughtfulness is what matters."

Bessie suspected Trevor's elegant box stemmed from his pride. Knowing he wasn't wealthy, she'd tried to prevent his embarrassment.

"Well, he did take the time and effort, right? So, can we at least see it?"

However, Corrie, pouting, snatched the box from her cousin and opened it without hesitation.