Gemotions

The university’s gala, a mandatory affair, felt more like a prison sentence to Marcus. He stood awkwardly in the corner, nursing a lukewarm glass of champagne, watching the beneficiaries of his lost scholarship network and laugh.

The opulent ballroom, filled with glittering gowns and tailored suits, seemed to amplify his sense of injustice. The crystal chandeliers cast a harsh light, exposing the artificial smiles and empty pleasantries. He was invited, but he didn't belong.

He caught the eye of the president, a man he'd once idolized, who smiled and beckoned him over. Marcus simply stared back, a muscle twitching in his cheek, before turning and dissolving back into the crowd.