Chapter 4 – A Timeless Choice
The glass doors of the watch boutique slid open with a soft chime as Adrian stepped inside.
The air here felt different—quiet, cool, and faintly scented with sandalwood. The lights were soft but deliberate, casting a subtle glow on the rows of displays that lined the store.
Each counter was a world of its own, holding carefully arranged timepieces under spotless glass. Shining stainless steel, polished rose gold, and even bands of leather—all whispering wealth, taste, and status.
Compared to the noisy bustle of the mall outside, this place felt like a sanctuary of luxury.
Adrian adjusted his steps, his sneakers squeaking lightly against the marble floor. He could feel eyes on him, though not openly. Just quiet, practiced glances from sales associates who were trained to read every customer in seconds.
"Good evening, sir. Welcome to Regalia Timepieces," a staff member in a tailored black suit greeted him with a professional smile. "Are you interested in something classic, or perhaps a modern design?"
Adrian nodded lightly. "I'd like to take a look first."
"Of course. Please, this way."
The attendant guided him toward a long glass display where several of the store's highlights gleamed under spotlights.
Adrian leaned closer. Each watch seemed to carry a personality of its own.
The first was a Rolex Submariner—sleek stainless steel, black dial, with a bezel that seemed to shimmer even without movement. It wasn't loud, but it had a presence, the kind of watch people noticed even if they couldn't name the brand.
Next to it sat a Patek Philippe Nautilus, its distinctive rounded octagonal case paired with a deep blue dial. Its elegance was subtle, the type of watch one wore not to impress others, but to quietly remind them that you were in a league of your own.
The third caught his eye immediately. A Richard Mille RM 11-03—bold, futuristic, its skeleton dial revealing the complex gears and machinery within. It looked less like a timepiece and more like an engineering marvel.
And finally, near the end of the display, rested something truly striking: an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, crafted in rose gold with a white "Grande Tapisserie" dial. Sophisticated, warm, and timeless.
Adrian's gaze lingered on the Royal Oak longer than the others.
"Would you like to try them on?" the attendant asked, already preparing a soft velvet tray.
"Yes." Adrian's reply was calm, but inside, he could feel his heartbeat quicken.
The Rolex was the first on his wrist. It felt balanced, rugged, reliable. The kind of watch a man could wear every day.
The Patek Philippe was next—slimmer, refined. The way it caught the light made it seem almost alive.
The Richard Mille was heavy, bold. Adrian admired its complexity, but it was perhaps too much for his taste.
And then, the Royal Oak.
The moment the rose gold clasp clicked shut on his wrist, something felt right. The weight, the warmth, the clean lines—it didn't just sit on his wrist, it belonged there.
Adrian lifted his arm slightly, watching the light play across the dial. For the first time in years, he didn't see a poor student reflected back at him. He saw someone different—someone powerful, someone with choices.
"How much is this one?" he asked softly.
The attendant, still smiling professionally, replied, "This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is priced at 1 million USD, sir."
Adrian didn't flinch. He nodded once. "I'll take it."
For just a fraction of a second, the attendant's eyes widened. It wasn't obvious—most people wouldn't notice—but Adrian caught it. That tiny spark of surprise that betrayed the thought: When did a rich man like this appear in our small city?
The attendant quickly composed herself, gently removing the watch to prepare the packaging. "Of course, sir. Would you prefer to pay by card or transfer?"
"Fingerprint," Adrian said calmly, placing his hand over the payment device.
A soft chime followed. Transaction successful.
The attendant handed over the black velvet box, now sealed inside an elegant branded bag. "Congratulations on your purchase, sir. This is one of our finest pieces. May it mark many wonderful moments in your life."
Adrian took the bag with a quiet "Thank you," and turned toward the exit.
As he walked back into the mall's open space, he noticed people's eyes flicker toward him—not at him directly, but at the bold gold lettering on the boutique bag in his hand. Subtle looks of curiosity, envy, even admiration.
For the first time, Adrian felt it—the shift. A step into a new world, where he was no longer just another face in the crowd.
And this was only the beginning.
The city streets were bathed in the amber glow of early evening as Adrian left the mall, his footsteps echoing faintly against the polished sidewalk. Hunger gnawed at him, a reminder that even in this new life of endless possibilities, some things were stubbornly human. The towering spire ahead gleamed like molten gold in the dying sunlight, marking the entrance to The Imperial Crown Hotel, a place of whispered prestige and impeccable luxury that few ever entered without a prior appointment.
The automatic doors parted smoothly as he approached, and a warm wave of air greeted him, carrying the subtle scent of sandalwood and polished mahogany. The lobby stretched before him, vast and glittering, every surface reflecting the soft light from crystal chandeliers overhead. Marble floors polished to a mirror sheen, velvet seating arranged in quiet alcoves, and discreet attendants poised like sentinels—everything spoke of refined perfection.
"Good evening, sir," a receptionist greeted him, her voice calm, precise. Politeness was their armor; wealth their everyday.
Good evening," Adrian replied casually. "I'm hungry. I'd like dinner."
The receptionist's eyes flicked to the guestbook before her, then back to him. "Of course, sir. May I ask if you have the imperial crown membership card?
"I'm not," he said. "Tell me about the membership tiers."
She smiled professionally. "We have three main tiers, sir—Platinum, Diamond, and Sovereign. Each comes with its privileges: priority reservations, exclusive lounge access, personal concierge services, and so forth. Membership can be topped up at any time for added benefits."
Adrian listened politely, nodding as if he were merely curious. When the option to top up arose, he made his decision with calm certainty.
"I'll top up 100 million," he said casually, as if mentioning the weather or the color of the carpets.