Chapter hundred and eight

Dallas

The whole world stopped. My blood ran cold and I froze on the spot. I couldn't hear anything past the thudding in my head. Couldn't focus on anything.

I could see Regina's lips moving but I couldn't hear her. Could see the smirk dancing on Jenna's lips as she stared at me, a triumphant look in her eyes. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Oliver's skin turned white. An emotion similar to guilt clouded his face as our eyes met.

Had he known about this? A big part of me was certain he hadn't known. But what if he had? Was that what he was discussing with Ron all these time?

I tore my gaze away from him, willing myself to appear unaffected. It's not like I didn't know about their engagement. I knew. I was just stupid enough to think I could free him from Jenna's clutches when she'd already won. I've lost in the most terrible way ever.

“Dallas…” Ethan started beside me but I quickly interrupted.

“I'm fine.” My voice came out sharper than I intended. I swallowed down the bitter taste in my throat and forced a smile on.

I hated the look on his face. The helpless pity look. I hated it. I suddenly became aware of everyone in the room. It feels like they were all staring at me. Their looks varying from pity to disgust.

Whore.

The word burn in my throat. Their engagement had been made public. I was officially the other woman in his life. Why did I think I could do this? Why didn't I was away when I had the chance?

I dragged my gaze around the crowd, their faces all blurred, but I blinked back the tears. I made a point not to look at Oliver because I knew it would take only one look and I'll lose the battle with myself. But I'm not going to cry.

I forced myself to remain rooted at the point despite itching to run out of the door. But I'm not going to show any weakness. I'm not going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me break. So I stayed.

I clenched my fist together to stop it from shaking. The atmosphere seem to have dropped. I felt chills run down my spine. I rubbed my shoulders slightly still keeping my face neutral.

The whispers around us were getting louder now. They were mostly from ladies who were probably hoping they would be chosen as the future Mrs Kang. They were clearly displeased with Regina's choice.

I tried to focus on their words as they said bad words about Jenna but I couldn't hear them. I couldn't do anything except stare blankly and seem unaffected.

I'm fine!

I'm fine!!

I'm fine!!!

I chanted the words in my head. My head throbbed, nausea crawled up my throat, threatening to force it way out soon. I needed fresh air.

“Do you need to leave?” Ethan whispered beside me.

I swallowed past the lump in my throat.
“I can't.” I forced the words out.

He gave him one look as if understanding the emotion on my face.
“Yes, you can. Let's go.”

He took my hand in his and guided me towards the exit. My legs wobbled under me as if it could no longer carry my weight. My heels suddenly felt too heavy.

Ethan put his arms around me.
“Lean on me.”

I couldn't even argue with him as he guided me out of the hall. We kept walking until we got to the parking lot. It was the only quiet place in the mansion.

“He didn't know she was going to do that.” Ethan said, interrupting the silence between us. He sounded so certain about it.

“Aunt does a lot of things without talking to him first.” He added when I didn't say anything.

I knew he didn't. He would never hurt me like that. The reason I was upset was entirely different. Their engagement had been thrown in my face so publicly. It'd reminded me that he would never be fully mine. That unless he got rid of his guilt, a big part of his life would be controlled by it.

“Thank you.” I said, giving him a small smile despite my condition.

He simply gave me a nod. We heard hurried footsteps approaching. Heather emerged panting heavily. She ran towards me immediately she saw me and enveloped me in a hug.

“Jesus Christ, I've been looking everywhere for you.” She breathed.

“Are you okay?” She asked, pulling away to scan my face.

“I'm fine. It's not like we didn't know about the engagement before. It's old news actually.” I rolled my eyes and chuckled.

But that didn't seem to convince the two people standing in front of me as they stared at me with eyebrows raised.

“I'm fine, guys. I promise. I just needed some fresh air. There were too many people inside. It was suffocating.”

“I know right, you'd think Oliver would install more AC in the hall before the wedding. But despite being one of the richest man in the world, he's still very stingy. The heat can boil someone alive.” Ethan joked. He was making an attempt to lighten the mood, but the joke fell flat.

I managed a chuckle but Heather ignored him completely.

“You two should get back to the party. I'll join you soon.”

Ethan nodded, probably understanding my need to be alone. Heather seem to want to protest at first, but shut her mouth when I gave her a pleading look.

“Let's go in.” Ethan said when Heather still didn't let go of me.

She finally let go reluctantly, drawing a sigh. She turned and walked back with Ethan.

I took a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart. After a few minutes, the pounding in my heart stopped. I could finally think clearly and see Regina's announcement for what it truly was.

It was an attempt to throw me off balance. My mind wandered back to my last conversation with her.

“You must think love is everything.” She had said.

She had seem somehow lost when she said it. I didn't know much about her marriage but whatever her obsession was with this engagement, I have a feeling it has a lot to do with her late husband but not in the way Oliver thinks it is. I have a feeling it is more than the fact that she wanted her son to be married to her late husband's friend's daughter.

I was going to find out whatever reason it was and stop this wedding. It doesn't matter if the public now knows about their engagement. I don't care how it makes me look. I was going to find out the truth and save the man I love. I wouldn't let him be thrown into a loveless marriage.

I inhaled sharply, feeling determined. I've never lost in anything in my life. And I'm not about to lose to them. I was the best for a reason.

When I was sure that I wasn't going to break down anymore, I took one last breath and grabbed the skirt of my dress. I was about heading out when my eyes caught someone walking towards me.

Ron Jang strolled towards me, carrying himself with the kind of grace I'd only seen in a handful of people. He exudes confidence in a commendable way. The aura surrounding him wasn't in any way threatening or cold like in many businessman I've come across. It was calm and inviting. Too calm. Despite his cool demeanor, I couldn't help the bad feeling I get around him.

“Dallas, how fantastic it is to run into you here.” He said, his thick Korean accent reflecting in his English.

But I didn't feel like it was a coincidence at all. His daughter's engagement was just made public but he just happened to be randomly strolling in the parking lot. It seems sketchy. Just like everything about this man.

“It's really great indeed. How are you enjoying the party?”

I wasn't particularly interested in making small talks with him, but I couldn't just walk away.

“Not exactly a party person. I prefer being alone. I take you're the same?”

I stared up at him. I couldn't help but wonder if he knows about Oliver and me. It would be impossible if he didn't when I showed up at his family's lunch. If Ron Jang knew, why was he trying to befriend me? Or maybe he didn't see me as a threat.

“Yes, you're right.” I forced a smile on.

“Perhaps we should keep each other company then. Would you like to come with me? There's a local fencing competition uptown. I'm friends with the owner of the academy. We could ditch this party and go there.”

The smile he gave me was soft and not in anyway threatening, but it only increased my nerves. The thought of being in close proximity with him was unnerving. But if I was going to succeed in my quest, I should probably accept his friendship. If he was a good person like he portrayed, he would help me break the engagement.

“Sure, why not.” I replied.