Chapter 8
Jason finally realized how serious things were. He looked at me with regret in his eyes. “Scarlett, I’m sorry. I really didn’t know it’d turn out like this.”
I let out a cold laugh and didn’t give him the chance to shift the blame.
“Then tell me, Jason—after giving your witness statement… what exactly did you go do?”
Jason glanced at me, conflicted.
Maybe he knew what he was about to say would blow everything up. Maybe that’s why his hand instinctively reached for mine.
“Lily said she was too shaken up to be alone at home, so I…”
“So you what? Spit it out!” Mr. Westwood barked, angrier than me.
Jason took a few quick, shallow breaths, then said, “So I stayed with her. At the hotel. For three days.”
“What?!”
Mrs. Westwood nearly fainted, clutching her chest.
Jason rushed to clarify, edging closer to me. “It’s not what you think! There were other classmates there too!”
I took a step back to avoid his hand, disappointment written all over my face. “So… there wasn’t a single moment where it was just you and her?”
This time, he stayed silent- utterly silent. His pupils dilated slightly.
I exhaled slowly, then pulled out my phone, scrolled to Lily’s chat log, and placed it face–up on the table.
“Knew I wasn’t imagining things. Take a look.”
Mrs. Westwood snatched it up.
One photo said it all–Jason asleep on the couch, and Lily on the bed, shoulder and collarbone bare.
Mrs. Westwood’s eyes rolled back. She nearly collapsed.
Jason dropped onto a chair, panicked. “It’s not what it looks like, Scarlett. I swear, nothing happened between us!”
I shook my head. I couldn’t even bring myself to be angry anymore.
“You may not have feelings for her, Jason. But she’s clearly into you. And since you care so much about her, then go all in.”
“Our engagement is officially over.”
After reading the messages, the Westwoods knew there was no saving this. They hesitated, then asked carefully, “Mr. Abbott… about the partnership we discussed-”
“I don’t think that’s necessary anymore.”
Now knowing just how much I had endured, Grandpa held my hand tightly.
“I said I’d work with my future grandson–in–law. Since that no longer applies, there’s no reason to continue.”
I didn’t want to stay another second. I got up to leave, but Jason rushed after me.
“Scarlett, I don’t agree to breaking the engagement! There’s nothing going on between me and Lily!”
I looked past him, toward the far end of the hall where Lily was scanning the room, trying to find him. With a faint smile, I replied, “Really?”
The moment she saw me, she lit up and trotted over.
Chapter 8
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“Scarlett! Have you seen Jason? He said he’d meet you here for dinner. I brought something from home to thank him.”
Her pathetic act almost made laugh.
Fine. If she’s so eager to embarrass herself, let her.
I tilted my head toward the private dining room. She immediately darted inside.
“Jason! These are sweet potatoes from my grandpa’s garden. I brought them just for you to say thank you for standing up for me.
Then she looked around, pretending to be surprised, and shrank behind Jason’s back.
“Oh… I didn’t know your whole family was here. I thought it was just you and Scarlett…‘
Ha
Um
She batted her lashes at the Westwoods, putting on her best “innocent country girl” expression.
But strangely, Jason didn’t introduce her to anyone.
Mrs. Westwood crossed her arms and gave her a cold, hard stare.
“That dress you’re wearing… where did it come from?”
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Chapter B
