Michael's relationship with Sarah had been calm, comfortable, and real. However, things took an abrupt turn when he met Amelia.
They met in an Economics class, one of those random electives he had picked, as Michael thought it would be useful for "real-life" stuff after college. Not as purposeful as Michael, Amelia took this course purely out of interest since she had no pressure to find a job or learn any "real-life" stuff. She came from financial capital—old money carried over from her mother's family. Her father was the CEO of a big multinational company. Amelia lived in a completely different world from Michael's.
It all started when Michael bumped into her at the campus café after class. Amelia was sitting at a table, scrolling through her phone, dressed in designer clothes that made her stand out from the crowd. Michael had not planned to talk with her, but as luck would have it, they ended up in line together.
"You are Michael Smith, right? From Econ class?" Amelia asked, flashing him a smile that could stop traffic.
"Yeah, that is me," Michael replied. He was surprised she even knew his name.
"I am Amelia. I have seen you around," she said casually, her eyes scanning him in a way that made him a little self-conscious. "Your presentation in class was amazing. What is your plan after graduation? Do you want to work in the financial sector?"
Michael paused, unsure how to respond. "Uh, I am still figuring that out. Probably looking for a decent job like everyone else."
Amelia's smile widened. "A decent job? I am sure you are a small guy. You should be aiming higher than just a decent job."
He raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"
"My dad has connections in some big companies. If you are interested, I can introduce you to people in the financial industry. You know, give you a leg up after college."
Michael blinked, stunned by how easily she dropped the offer. "Seriously? I am not ready for a job search yet."
She laughed softly. "It is not that hard when you know the right people. In the business world, success does not depend on your talent, but rather on your network. If you like, we can become friends, and I will take you to my family and the business circle we are in."
At first, Michael thought nothing serious about what Amelia said. It was true Amelia was charming, and her offer seemed generous. However, he was happy with Sarah and should not date another girl. Admittedly, he was intrigued about Amelia's world, a world filled with parties, expensive cars, and opportunities that seemed too good to pass up.
Later, they often had small talks in class and sometimes bumped into each other during group projects. As time went by, they started hanging out more often after their economics club meetings.
One day, Amelia invited Michael to a party her father was hosting. "You will love it, Michael," she promised, handing him a sleek black invitation. "It is going to be an exclusive crowd. You can meet people who could help your future."
Michael hesitated but agreed. He could not help but feel a pull toward the lifestyle Amelia offered. That weekend, he found himself in a grand mansion, surrounded by people in designer suits, sipping champagne as if it were water. The wealth and power in the room were overwhelming. Amelia stuck by his side, introducing him to business moguls, CEOs, and other influential figures.
"So, what do you think?" Amelia asked Michael, leaning in close as they stood on the balcony overlooking the city.
"It is... incredible," Michael admitted, glancing around in awe. "I have never been to such an occasion before."
"You could be part of this world, Michael. I can help you," she said, her voice smooth, her eyes locked on his. "You don't have to settle for anything less than the best."
Her words lingered in his mind long after the party ended. Michael could not deny the allure. He loved Sarah, but Amelia's world was something entirely different—fast-paced, glamorous, and filled with possibilities. For the first time in a long while, he started to question what he wanted.
Amelia's father seemed impressed with Michael, he even mentioned the possibility of allowing him to work in one of his companies after Michael graduated.
Later, as they sat in the back of a luxury car, Amelia turned to him. "See? You fit right in. My father likes you."
"I am not sure, we are just friends," Michael said slowly, feeling conflicted. "I do not belong here."
"Trust yourself. You are a talented young man. Plus, we could be more than ordinary friends. You know I adore you," she whispered, with her hand resting on his arm. "You deserve more than what you are settling for, Michael. Think about your future, about what kind of life you want to live."
Michael stared out the window, his thoughts were racing. Could he walk away from everything he and Sarah had built? Was he ready to leave behind the simplicity of their life for something more extravagant, but also more uncertain? He was not sure. But Amelia had planted a seed of doubt, and it was growing fast.
That night, back in his dorm room, Michael lay awake, staring at the ceiling. He thought about Sarah, about the peace of mind he had while with Sarah. But gradually, his mind wandered back to Amelia, to the possibilities she dangled in front of him like a carrot on a string.
Was he content with his life, or was he just too scared to reach for something bigger? Something that Amelia could offer him. He kept speculating and could not fall asleep.
As he lay there, one thing became clear: a choice was coming, and it was not going to be an easy decision.