HIS PROPERTY, HIS CHOICE

KIMBERLEY

Emily was released.

Just like that.

No gratitude. No apology. No acknowledgment.

I sat in the living room, waiting.

Hoping, stupidly that someone would say something.

That Margaret, at the very least, would thank me.

But no.

Margaret was fussing over Emily, scolding her for the mess she had caused, but not once did she turn to me.

William paced by the window, lost in thought, and Emily?

Emily sat on the couch, arms crossed, like she was the victim.

Like she had just returned from vacation, not jail.

I clenched my fists.

I had swallowed my pride and begged Alexander for help.

I had humiliated myself.

And for what?

To be ignored?

To be treated like I didn't matter?

My jaw tightened.

"Glad you're out," I muttered.

Emily didn't even look at me.

Margaret sighed. "Kimberley, go to your room. You've done enough."

Done enough.

I stared at her.

Then without another word, I turned and walked away.

Fine.

Let them act like I was nothing.

I'd remember this.

*****

The ball was the next evening.

And it was….

Overwhelming.

I had never been to a place like this.

The grand chandelier.

The polished marble floors.

The music.

I had never felt so out of place.

And yet….

People were staring.

At me.

I wore a flowing champagne-colored gown with delicate beading, my hair styled in soft waves.

For once, I wasn't just existing.

I was noticed.

Even Alexander had paused when he saw me.

Not for long.

Just a flicker of something in his eyes.

Then he smirked. "Try not to embarrass me tonight."

I rolled my eyes. "No promises."

That's when I saw a tall, blonde, perfect girl.

Her sharp blue eyes burned into me as I stood beside Alexander.

I could practically see through those fake smiles.

Her red lips curled into a forced smile as she approached.

"Kimberley, isn't it?" she asked sweetly.

I nodded.

"You look lovely," she said, but her smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Thank you," I said cautiously.

She tilted her head. "This must be your first ball."

I hesitated. "It is."

Hersmile widened. "Let me show you around."

I glanced at Alexander, but he was busy talking to someone else.

I turned back to her. "Alright."

She led me toward the bar.

Handed me a drink.

Smiled, I am Selena by the way

I smiled back, shaking her hands.

Her other hand mistakenly spilled the drink she was holding on me.

Right down my dress.

Gasps echoed around us.

"Oh my gosh!" Selena exclaimed, covering her mouth. "I'm so sorry!"

My dress is now ruined!!!

I gritted my teeth. "It's fine."

"Let me help you clean up," she insisted, grabbing my arm.

I wanted to refuse.

But I didn't want to cause a scene.

So I let her.

The ladies' room was empty.

Selena handed me a napkin, still smiling.

"Such a shame," she said, dabbing at my dress.

I didn't respond.

**

"All done!" she said brightly. "Let's go back."

Something felt wrong.

But I ignored it.

*****

Back in the ballroom, everything was normal.

Until…

Selena took the mic.

"Good evening, everyone!" she said.

The crowd turned to her.

I felt my stomach sink.

"I have an announcement," she continued, voice dripping with fake concern.

"Unfortunately, my $600 ring has gone missing."

Murmurs.

A slow buzz of interest.

She sighed dramatically. "And the only person who touched my purse tonight was..."

She turned.

Looked directly at me.

"Kimberley."

Silence.

All eyes on me.

I froze.

"That's not true," I said sharply.

Selena's eyes widened in mock innocence.

"But you were with me in the ladies' room," she said. "I was helping you clean up, remember?"

My chest tightened.

"You went through my purse?" she continued.

I clenched my fists. "No."

A murmur rippled through the room.

"Check her purse," someone said.

I felt the blood drain from my face.

My fingers clenched around the fabric of my dress, my breath catching in my throat.

This was a trap.

A perfectly laid trap.

I knew it.

Selena knew it.

But the crowd?

They just wanted a show.

One of the security guards stepped forward. "Miss, may we?"

I wanted to refuse.

To shout. To fight.

But I couldn't.

Because refusing would only make me look guiltier.

So I did the only thing I could.

I nodded.

My hands trembled as I handed over my small purse.

The security guard unzipped it.

Reaching inside.

Feeling around.

Then…

He pulled out the ring.

Gasps.

Whispers.

Eyes burning into me from every direction.

Selena gasped, her expression one of perfect shock.

"Oh, Kimberley," she breathed. "I didn't think you would actually….." She covered her mouth like she was too terrified to speak.

My mouth opened.

Closed.

My heart pounded.

"No," I whispered. "I didn't…"

"Enough."

Alexander's voice cut through the noise.

I turned to him instantly.

His face was so cold.

I swallowed hard. "Alexander, I swear, I didn't…."

He didn't let me finish.

His eyes were dark with something I couldn't quite place.

Disappointment.

Disgust.

Maybe both.

And then…

He turned.

And walked away.

Left me there.

I staggered back.

The murmurs grew louder.

I caught glimpses of judging eyes.

Sneers.

Pity.

Humiliation clawed at my skin like fire.

No.

No.

No.

I forced myself to breathe.

To calm down.

But I was already suffocating.

Because Alexander was gone.

And so was my dignity.