Chapter hundred and seven

Dallas

Jenna was only a few feet away from us. Now that she was close, I could see all of her features very well. She looked really stunning. Her lavendar dress complimented her skin quite well, highlighting her Korean beauty. The grace at which she carried herself was astounding as well. She isn't one of the highest paying supermodel for nothing.

“Oh hi, Dallas. What a surprise to see you here.” She purred, her obviously fake smile widening.

“She lives here.” Heather muttered.

Jenna merely threw her a glance before turning her focus back to me.

“Jenna,” I feigned surprise and even went as far as placing a hand on my chest. Heather snorted beside me.

“Not quite surprising to see you at all.” I didn't bother to hide the sarcasm in my tone.

I threw a quick glance at where Oliver was standing to see that he had moved from where he was standing. He was now talking to Ron, though it didn't look like he was listening. His eyes hardened when he spotted Jenna in front of me. I gave him a small smile, hoping to ease his worries.

The message was clear. I've got this.

“You know, I have to attend these things. Family functions and all.”

She brought her hands and trailed her neckline, her engagement ring was in plain sight. I arched an eyebrow at her, making sure she knows that it didn't affect me.

“I can't believe they let just anyone in. It's a shame to invite some people to such exquisite event.” She added and clicked her tongue.

Heather parted her lips and I was certain whatever it is she wanted to say wouldn't be pleasant. I quickly held her hand and gave her a little squeeze, hoping she'd refrain herself.

“I know right. Even people who force themselves on a man who clearly doesn't want them. What a shame indeed.” I said, matching a tone.

I wasn't quite thrilled about exchanging words with her in such a public place, but she asked for it. Two can play the game.

Thankfully, all the people close to us had moved to the dance floor, there's no one here that will hear us. The brunette sitting a few seats away doesn't seem to be listening on us either.

“How nice would it be if you listen to your own advice, Dallas Valencia. Forcing yourself on a man doesn't look cool. It's a whore behavior.”

I almost burst into laughter. Was she so dumb that she didn't realize she was insulting herself?

“Do I need to remind you that he is the one chasing me and not the other way round?”

I turned my gaze towards Oliver. Sure enough, he had his eyes on me. Still aware that Jenna was still staring at me, I blew him a kiss.

Heather snorted beside me while Oliver arched an eyebrow before shaking his head, a big smile on his face. I thought I heard a chuckle from the brunette lady but I wasn't sure. She didn't seem like she was smiling when I glanced at her.

I turned to face Jenna. The expression on her face was hilarious. I raised an eyebrow as if to say “see”.

Her face was red with fury and she blurted,

“Well, I have his ring. And we'll be getting married soon. Whatever it is you have going on with him will end very soon.”

“Not if I expose your true colors before then.” And help him deal with his guilt so everyone can stop using it to manipulate him.

“Let's see you try. And after tonight, I'd love to see what becomes of your stupid dreams of a life with him.”

I stared at her quizzically. Oliver hadn't mentioned any special event happening tonight.

“What happens tonight?”

Jenna smirked, not answering my question. I suddenly got a bad feeling about whatever she's planning to do. I was going to find out about it and stop it if I can.

She took a step towards me.
“A little advice, Dallas, just because you're fucking a rich man and you're getting expensive gifts doesn't make you any less of a classless whore. A luxurious dress doesn't buy class.”

I couldn't think of a comeback. Not when my mind was reeling with all the possible things that could go wrong. What had she meant by her words?

“Glad to hear you say that, Jen.” The three of us swept our heads to the direction of the voice to see the brunette approaching.

“Can't believe you're still the same stuck up bitch after all these years. Was really hoping you would be different now. You know, spice things up a bit.” She added and clicked a tongue.

She angled her arm on her hip and held a wine glass in her hand. She was really beautiful.

“Argh! Why do I have to see your horrible face tonight? Now my night is ruined.” Jenna groaned. She seem to have shifted the rage in her eyes from me to this new lady.

Heather and I darted our eyes between them. The look in Heather's eyes was the confirmation I needed. We were both wondering the same thing. What the hell is going on?

“Nice to you see you too, Jen. No need to ask how you're doing. I can see you're still sticking to your old ways.” The lady said and clicked her tongue.

“I can't deal with this. I'm leaving.” Jenna stalked off before any of us could answer.

I saw the smirk on the lady's lips as she lifted her glass to her lips.

“Oh, pardon me for intruding.” She said and tucked her hair behind her ear. All traces of the woman who just put down Jenna had vanished.

“No, it's fine. Thank you.” I gave her a smile which she returned.

“I'm Brenda.” She offered me a handshake which I accepted.

Her name sounded familiar but I couldn't remember where I've heard it before.
“Dallas,”

She shook Heather's hand also with a smile.

“What you did to Jenna was remarkable. She totally deserved it.” Heather said.

“She deserved more.” Brenda nodded. “We used to work together and she was always a total pain.”

The three of us chatted for a while. Brenda was very fun to be with. A bit shy but very friendly. Turns out she knows Oliver personally but I didn't get to ask how before she got called away by a woman. Ethan approached us not long after.

“I need to get to the bathroom. I've had too much to drink.” Heather mumbled and rushed out before he could reach us.

I wasn't even able to do anything except gawk at her retreating figure.

“She's gonna have to stop running away from me at some point.” Ethan said when he got to my side, his eyes were on the exit.

“What happened between you two?”

I knew I shouldn't be prying but I couldn't stop myself from asking the question. She was very fond of acting strange around.

“Something bad.” A solemn look crossed his face before he masked it with his charming smile.

“But it's not a discussion fit for a wedding.”

I nodded. Silence settled between us, but it wasn't the uncomfortable. Music started playing and more people flooded the dance floor.

“I know Oliver is probably going to murder me for this, but may I have this dance, milady?” He posed as a perfect gentleman. His stance was hilarious and I couldn't help but chuckle.

“You're his cousin. Surely he wouldn't murder you because of one dance.”

“Oh, you have no idea, Dallas. He's told me about my death multiple times already. One time, he threatened to cut off my balls because I smiled at you. He's that crazy about you.”

I already knew that but hearing someone else say it made me blush hard.

“Okay, you're not helping by making that face. He's literally digging my grave already and probably making plans on how to throw me in said grave.” He tilted his hard towards where Ron and Oliver stood.

They had adjusted to the center of the room. And though, it shouldn't have been possible because of how many people in the room, but Oliver's eyes found mine. His hard glare boring into Ethan's back. I rolled my eyes and chuckled.

“You love him, don't you?” Ethan asked, his voice was really low.

I was a bit shocked by the question. Not because I didn't know the answer but because I hadn't think he would figure it out. I hadn't told anyone except my friends. I hadn't even told the man that I love him.

“I do.” I said in an almost whisper.

Afraid that if I said it any louder, he'd hear. I don't know what his reaction would be.

“He loves you too. In his own way. I hope you two are happy together.” He smiled, the first real smile on his face.

“Thank you.” I smiled back.

“I saw you talking to Brenda a few minutes ago. Is she a friend of yours?”

“Yeah, well… sort of. She help put Jenna in her place. Apparently, they used to work together.”

“Yeah, not surprising.”

My head turned towards him.
“You know her?”

He arched an eyebrow as if I just asked an illegal question, before sighing.

“Yes. She's Xavier's fiancee. A total sweetheart.”

That's why her name sounded so familiar. I must have heard one of them mentioned it.

Suddenly the music stopped. A collective groan resounded through out the room and people dispersed from the dance floor.

“May I have your attention please.”

I turned to the direction of the voice to see Regina holding a mic, a bright smile on her face. I knew it was her before uneven saw her. It's not difficult to recognize her voice.

“I want to thank you all for coming to my sister's wedding. Right now, I would like to make an announcement.” She paused.

I could have swore, her gaze was directed on me but I didn't want to jump into conclusions. I got a bad feeling from this.

“Do you have any idea what she's about to say?” I whispered to Ethan.

He shook his head.
“I don't. But I have a feeling it's not going to be good.”

Makes two of us then.

“I'd like to use this special moment to announce the engagement of my son to the daughter of Ronald Jang, Jenna.”