Chapter 322 Handle it However you Want
"So she's just a daughter living in the shadows?" Mia sneered.
"Yeah, that's her," Yancy nodded. "Jenny's grandma got real sick, so her dad brought Jenny and her mom back to help out. Jenny's care for her grandmother earned her a small place in her heart, but the Taylor family never really accepted her. She had cash and people looking after her, but no real family love."
"Why won't they accept her? She's still a Taylor, right?" I asked, scratching my head.
Yancy sighed, "Jane, it's all about class and reputation. The higher up you go, the more they care about family honor and avoiding scandals. Jenny's mom had her and then supposedly raised a sex worker. Even though the Taylors aren't as big a deal as they used to be, they still didn't want Jenny back. It'd be a stain on their name. So unless Jenny gets some crazy break, she'll always be the rich girl with the 'illegitimate' tag she can't shake."
No wonder none of her family showed up after everything went down.
"So, she's never had her parents' or relatives' love? That's rough," Mia said, her tough exterior cracking a bit. Despite her hard shell, Mia's got a soft heart. Hearing about Jenny's lonely life hit her hard.
Yancy added, "Her wild behavior fits her status as an illegitimate daughter."
I nodded, totally on board with Yancy's take.
Yancy and Mia headed back to the kitchen, leaving me alone on the couch, deep in thought.
Brad walked in after changing, spotting me with a jealous and conflicted look on my face.
He glanced at my phone screen and sat next to me, his face unreadable. "What's up?"
I scooted away from him and tossed the phone his way. "Check it out yourself."
Brad took the phone, glanced at it, and his mood soured.
Lately, Brad'd been in a bad mood a lot. I shot him a mocking look. "Look at that, such deep devotion. You'd be a jerk not to repay the life-saving grace and all those years of love."
Brad grabbed my chin, pulling me close, his lips almost brushing mine. I could smell his minty fresh breath. "You jealous, babe?"
I leaned back, pushing against his chest to keep some space. "Don't change the subject. Reply to Jenny. She's probably waiting for your message."
Brad, half amused, half annoyed, reached out to grab me, but I dodged.
"Talking nonsense again, huh? You're lucky I like you," he said with a smirk.
Our ruckus in the living room was loud enough to catch Mia and Yancy's attention. They were totally eavesdropping by the kitchen door.
They must've forgotten the door was glass, so Brad and I could see them clear as day.
Realizing he couldn't catch me, Brad got serious and turned towards the kitchen.
Brad was a professor at National Capital University, so Yancy, being a student there, couldn't really laugh at him.
Brad sat next to me, grabbed the phone, opened Facebook, and typed out a message.
Brad: [Happy birthday. I'm super busy right now, but I'll make sure you get a gift. The cake's on its way too.]
After typing, he showed it to me, asking if it was cool to send.
I thought, 'Isn't this a bit cold for Jenny?'
Brad bumped his forehead against mine. "Silly, with someone like Jenny, I gotta be firm and clear, cut off her fantasies from the start."
Then he hit send.
Breakfast was ready, and Mia called us over to eat.
Brad and I sat at the table; he placed his phone between us.
His open attitude was pretty awesome, and I liked it.
I hadn't even started enjoying breakfast when Brad's phone buzzed with nonstop Facebook messages from Jenny.
I looked up at Brad. Seeing me look, he stayed cool and said, "My phone is your phone. Handle it however you want."
I thought, 'How lucky am I to have such an understanding boyfriend? Since you insist, I'll handle it.'
With his go-ahead, I opened the chat. The first two messages were text.
Jenny: [Brad, don't treat me like this. You might not like me, but you can't hate me for it. Is it a crime to love you? True love shouldn't be ignored and hurt.]
Jenny: [My birthday wish this year is to spend it with you. You're my best friend. Can't you grant me this small wish? The world is huge; people change. But friendships can last forever.]
I thought, 'This is infuriating. Is she saying Brad and I will break up?'
The third message was a voice note. I played it; Brad's latest phone had killer sound quality, so all four of us at the table could hear it loud and clear.
Jenny's voice came through, "Brad, I know you like Jane now. But life is long, how do you know I won't be better for you? My love for you is just as strong, and I can help you more in your career. I'm the one who's truly right for you. The age gap between you two is too big, and you can't fully fit into each other's worlds, so conflicts are bound to happen. I don't want you to get hurt because of this. So, Brad, please give me a chance. I really love you."
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