Chapter 5

Brandon seemed quite surprised at my response. He'd seen multiple sides of me before—deferent and innocent, obedient and meek, hysterical and crazy. He had seen both my innocent and sensual sides. I had cried, laughed, and had fun around him. However, I had never faced him with calm and indifference. Pushing Jenna aside, he marched up to me without any expression. "Reegan Rowland, I'll repeat one more time—apologize to Jenna." I stared at him squarely until I suddenly burst into laughter. My laughter sounded despairing and bold. "Brandon, I told you I'm not apologizing. Over my dead body!" The loud echo of a slap traveled down the corridor. Even Brandon seemed shocked at himself after he had slapped me. Jenna held her face. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Meanwhile, I slowly brought my hand to my cheek. It was burning in pain. My eyes burned in fury. "Reegan…" Brandon took a step closer, only for me to take a step away from him. He raised his hand but later dropped it. Looking sullen, he mumbled, "Reegan, it's all your fault. If you had apologized, I wouldn't have hit you." His voice sounded deep and hoarse. "You know I never lay a finger on women. In the five years we dated, I have never hurt you. "You shouldn't have hit Jenna today. It's not her fault that I'm in love with her. Reegan, stop acting up. Preserve what's left of your dignity." Brandon had always been quiet. He had never made such a long speech like today's. Alas, I did not hear a single word. Rage filled me, and my eyes filled with tears. I tried to hold back my tears but failed. Tears streamed down my face. I cried nonstop like a broken dam. Brandon clenched his fists with a frown. Jenna walked up to him and purred, "Brandon, forget about it. Let's leave." He held her hand, but his gaze remained on my face. He warned me, "Reegan, you'd better not give Jenna any trouble from now on. Do not show up before us again. This is your final warning." After that, instead of leaving with Jenna, he stared at me as though awaiting an answer. But I kept my head low and said nothing. Tears continued rolling down my face. Half a minute later, he finally left with Jenna. Just as he had turned away, I suddenly rasped, "Fine. I promise I will never show up before you and Jenna McKay." His tall figure froze. Before long, he left with Jenna without looking back. Jenna, though, turned around to glance at me with tears in her eyes and a gleeful smirk. I slowly put down my hand. "Great," I thought. I could finally put an end to all the love and hatred stemming from my five years of relationship with Brandon. Now, I could leave without any longing for the past.