When He Gives Me His Warm Love

"Nobody taught you manners, or are you just lashing out 'cause I didn't come get you?"

I just stared at Jason, speechless. A thousand comebacks raced through my mind, but all I could really feel was disappointment.

"Yeah, no one taught me. My parents are gone, remember?" My eyes welled up.

He frowned and ordered, "Apologize."

It felt like he was ripping open my old wounds.

But he didn't care; he just wanted that apology.

"She started it, why should I apologize?"

Suddenly, my throat tightened, and my voice began to crack.

"Grace, you know which part of you bugs me the most? You're always so damn self-righteous and proud," Jason snapped, his displeasure clear.

His gaze told me this was his turf, they were his guests, and I was a nobody.

Leaving me to fend for myself, letting them tear me down, all with his silent approval.

Even though I'd figured it all out, my heart still ached.

Back then, he did seem really sweet, like he laid everything out for me.

When did it change? Maybe when I refused to quit my career, or when his old flame came back to the States.

"Okay, girls get shy, she didn't mean it. Ease up, Jason," a girl said, grabbing his hand affectionately.

He didn't pull away.

That's Ava Taylor, Jason's old flame.

Whenever Jason and I were together, she'd call right on cue, and they'd chat forever.

"Olivia, you messed up too, apologize to her, quick."

"No need," I flatly refused.

She stood there, looking all sad like a hurt kitten.

Jason's buddies couldn't stand it anymore, "C'mon, Jason, it's your birthday. We were just messing around. She can't take a joke, huh? Ava tried to smooth things over, but no thanks from her. Olivia's fiery, but she's no athlete. A bit more force, and she'd be in the hospital, right?"

Everyone's stares were like a clear warning—don't be ungrateful.

Including Jason.

"Grace, you crossed the line."

"Then it's done. Let's break up," I said, meeting Jason's gaze without flinching.

He paused, then frowned, "Are you serious?"

"Did I hear that right? She wants to dump our boy Jason?" Laughter erupted from downstairs.

Jason's face soured.

They kept at it, "Jason, you're not really into this hick, are ya?"

"Cut it out, how does she stack up to our Ava?" Olivia looked like she was about to slap me.

Ava's eyes welled up, "Jason..."

"Me, into her?" Jason then pulled Ava into his arms, "She's been putting on the virgin act and living a thousand miles from me. Who'd stand that? Only 'cause she's tame, who'd want someone from such a backwater?"

I lowered my gaze, clinging to my last shred of dignity, "Then please, Mr. Wright, find time to terminate our contract, and let's part ways."

"You know the drill. You know the club's breakup fee is two million. Not much, but you can't even scrounge up half a million right now. Grace, think about it. Without my connections, without any backing, you're nothing."

He wasn't even apologetic after I called him out.

I should've seen this coming.

The new head of my current club, Radiant Wings, is him, the scion of the Wright family.

Including the fact that I got squeezed out this time because of him.

"Since I chose to come here today, I'll never regret it."

He knew better than anyone why I wasn't fit for those events.

He thought his disdain would make me beg, but he was dead wrong.

"I hope you can stay as tough as you claim," Jason sneered.

Everyone laughed at me.

"Jason, you took advantage of me when I was naive," I squeezed my hand hard, "In three days, I'll wire the penalty into your account, I hope you'll keep your word."

Jason's expression darkened instantly, "Grace, do you really want to make a scene? Apologize, and I can let today slide. I can forgive what happened."

I walked into the rain without a backward glance.

"Jason, you just gonna let her walk?"

"Who does she think she is? I'm waiting for the day she comes crawling back."

...

"Does what you said before still stand?" After leaving Cloudbrook Heights, I texted that person.

Ten minutes later, I got a reply.

"It stands."

"I need two million."

"Okay, sign for a year. I want to see your worth."