Chapter 7
I fastened my helmet, took Lucas’s hand, and swung my leg over the bike.
The engine roared like thunder–mocking Jason as we sped off.
Lucas twisted the throttle, and the world around us blurred.
By the time I arrived at the hotel, both families were already seated.
When she saw me, Mrs. Westwood’s face filled with concern. “My goodness, Scarlett, you’ve lost so much weight. Has Jason not been taking care of you properly?”
Jason glanced at me, expecting me to pout or tattle like I used to.
But I simply gave her a faint smile.
“I’ve grown up, Mrs. Westwood. I can take care of myself now. No need to trouble Jason anymore.”
His eyes widened like I’d just slapped him. But of course, he had to run his mouth.
“Oh, sure. Doesn’t sound like trouble when you say it. Let’s see how ‘independent‘ you are when we’re both at Eastbridge.”
Mrs. Westwood playfully smacked his arm, making the rest of the Westwood family laugh. Only Grandpa stayed serious, locking eyes with me across the table.
But no, Jason.
I’m not going to Eastbridge. And I’m done with the engagement we’ve had since we were kids.
Jason kept sneaking glances at me, clearly confused by how calm I was.
Normally when the adults teased us, I’d lean into the joke–cling to his arm, and shamelessly declare I’d marry him one day.
But today, I just sat quietly in my chair. Jason studied me, his gaze lingering a beat too long.
“What was wrong with her? Was she still upset?”
He seemed to think for a moment, then ladled out a bowl of creamy pumpkin soup and slid it in front of me.
“Got this just for you. Careful, it’s hot.”
I looked at the steaming soup, smiled faintly–then pushed it away.
“No, thank you.”
“What? But pumpkin’s your favorite! You used to make me serve it to you.”
His voice was getting louder, laced with unease.
I didn’t blink, just looked straight at him.
“Not anymore. I don’t like it anymore.”
“I don’t like you anymore either.”
The room went dead silent.
Jason shot to his feet, his face pale.
“Scarlett, do you even hear yourself right now?”
At that moment, Grandpa set his cup down and cleared his throat.
“Well, I suppose it’s time we addressed the real reason for tonight’s dinner. We’re here to discuss ending the engagement.”
Chapter 7
What?!
Jason wasn’t the only one stunned–the entire Westwood family turned to stare at Grandpa in disbelief.
“Mr. Abbott, with all due respect… why? We thought Scarlett and Jason were doing just fine.
“”
Grandpa tapped the table with his fingers and sighed. “This decision was entirely Scarlett’s. I think it’s best she explains it herself.”
Jason stared at me like I’d just betrayed him.
But I stood calmly, bowed slightly to them, and spoke clearly..
10
“I’ve thought this through. I hope you can understand and respect my choice.”
Then I laid it all out–everything that had happened. Mr. Westwood slammed his hand on the table.
“Unbelievable! Jason, Mr. Abbott Sr. was hospitalized because of you, and you didn’t even bother to visit once? What were you doing?!”
Jason looked uneasy. He knew he’d screwed up. “I’m sorry. I had something important to take care of.”
“What the hell could be more important?!”
“There was an incident at school. One of our classmates was being harassed. I went with some friends to the police station to give a statement.”
Mr. Westwood’s face turned crimson. “A statement? For three whole days?! Do you have any idea how close Mr. Abbott came to suffocating from that allergic reaction?!”
Chapter 7
