The Price of a Heart

The moment we stepped into the opulent hotel ballroom, the air was thick with the scent of expensive champagne and the chatter of the wealthy elite. Sophie, like a hyperactive sprite, bounded towards William. "Cousin, I've been dying to see you! Did you bring me a present?" William's eyes softened into a pool of adoration "Of course, my precious cousin. How could I ever forget you?" Suddenly, the double - doors of the ballroom swung open with a grand flourish. A procession of liveried servants marched in, their footsteps synchronized, pushing a towering, ornate display stand. On it, nestled within a bed of velvet, was a sight that took everyone's breath away - the "Heart of Life", a diamond - encrusted heart. Legends whispered that this gem possessed the power to heal all ailments and bestow eternal youth. Sophie's eyes widened in awe, and she impulsively planted a smacking kiss on William's cheek. "Wow, you're the best, cousin! But won't your wife be jealous of such a costly gift?" she asked, her eyes darting towards me, a mischievous glint . Only then did William seem to remember my presence. I stood there, feeling like a fish out of water. Over the years, he had never once remembered my birthday, let alone gifted me with a piece of jewelry or an elegant gown. He looked at me, a hint of awkwardness flashing across his face. Hastily, he reached for my hand, stammering, "Vivian, don't misunderstand. Sophie and I are just cousins. I was just - " Before he could finish his sentence, Sophie let out a soft gasp, her hand flying to her chest. "Cousin, my chest feels so tight. I'm afraid my old condition is flaring up again," . In an instant, William dropped my hand as if it were a hot coal and spun around to gather Sophie into his arms. "What? Why all of a sudden? Does it hurt? I must take you to get checked immediately," . With that, he swept Sophie off her feet in a classic princess - carry, right in front of all the gaping guests, and strode purposefully towards the hotel rooms. The whispers of the onlookers began to swirl around me like a storm. "No wonder he spoils Sophie so much. Look at his wife, so shabby. " Another chimed in, "I heard she got pregnant before marriage and forced him to marry her, desperate to climb the social ladder." I let out a bitter laugh. Yes, meeting William had been my downfall, my karmic retribution. I turned and made my way through the labyrinthine corridors of the hotel. As I rounded the corner at the end of a long hallway, I froze in my tracks. There, in a passionate embrace, were William and Sophie. Sophie was pressed against the wall, her arms wound tightly around William's neck. "Cousin, listen, is my heart still racing?" she murmured seductively. "Sophie, my little love, I've missed you so much," William groaned. Sophie leaned in and captured his lips in a searing kiss. "Cousin, there are too many people here. Let's go to the room," . That was all it took for William to lose his last shred of self - control. His hand shot up to cradle the back of Sophie's head as he returned the kiss with a ferocity that made my stomach churn. "We've never tried it at the corridor." Moans of pleasure filled the empty corridor. I clapped a hand over my mouth to stifle a sob and fled.