Chapter 2
1505 Words
Flashback
“Hey, it’s nerdy, Jenny,” Brad Washtone says as he sips on his alcoholic drink.
“What the f**k are you wearing, nerdy Jenny? Grandma’s clothes? Come on, this is prom, not some freak show.”
With that, everyone bursts into laughter.
It was supposed to be a great day… but it couldn’t be.
I mean, here I am at an expensive school with children of the elite—where do I stand? I’m here just because I managed to get a scholarship from the Walthorne Renewal Fund due to my impressive performance at my previous school, as Ms. Good would say.
“Hey, Brad, leave nerdy Jenny alone. Let her enjoy my family’s scholarship money for the last time.”
Dean Walthorne.
He stands there, holding his girlfriend’s waist—Kelly Clark. His ocean-blue eyes pierce into mine as he smirks… then walks away.
Something in my chest tightens.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
I ran.
And that was the last memory I had of high school.
Luckily, in university, I lived on campus. I couldn’t imagine being in another foster home where all I got was abuse. That’s why I worked hard in school and university—to free myself from that nightmare.
And then… I met Linda.
She was also studying computer science, along with some digital marketing courses. We became good friends, and she was really there for me. The little confidence I have today is because of her help and encouragement.
And now… here I am.
My first job after finishing university.
I’ve even managed to get a small mortgaged apartment. It’s not much… but at least I’m getting by.
End of flashback
Jenna’s POV
“Jenna, we are going to be late!”
I hear Cindy knock and call out from outside my apartment door.
“Coming, Cindy—just wearing my heels!” I call back.
I finish getting ready and spray my current favourite perfume—Good Girl by Carolina Herrera, the classic stiletto-shaped bottle. The scent lingers softly around me—sweet, a little bold… just enough to make a statement.
Cindy looks me up and down, eyes wide.
“Girl, you look gorgeous. God—and that ass is to die for. You will surely turn heads tonight. But stay away from Patrick—he’s all mine tonight.”
I laugh softly.
I’m wearing a red body-hugging, open-back dress with thin straps, black heels, and my hair is in a high bun with a few strands left at the front. Just light makeup to finish the look.
“Thank you, Cindy. You look drop-dead gorgeous yourself,” I say, holding her hand as she gives me a twirl in her beautiful maroon dress.
I lock up my apartment, and we quickly drive off to the F.C.G. building.
The party is already in full swing.
Music, laughter, chatter—everyone is here. From staff to security, no one is missing.
We spot Darius with Stella and Patrick and walk over.
“You look beautiful, ladies,” Darius says, handing us each a glass of white wine.
“Thank you. You guys look great too,” Cindy replies, taking a sip.
The party continues to build. I see Cindy and Patrick already on the dance floor, completely lost in the music. Soon, others join in—Darius and Stella included, though Darius looks like he was dragged there.
I get asked to dance by Duncan from the cybersecurity team.
“You look amazing, Jenna,” he says, offering his hand.
“Thank you,” I reply, accepting it.
We dance for a while, but after about twenty minutes, my energy starts to drop. My feet ache slightly, and I decide to sit down, grabbing another glass of wine.
“Enjoying the party, Ms. Jensen?”
I turn.
Ryan Markfields.
My breath catches for a second.
He’s not in a full suit tonight—just a fitted shirt with a few buttons undone at the top, black dress pants, and polished shoes. His hair is pulled back neatly.
He looks… different.
More relaxed.
I quickly look away, trying to hide the way I was staring. From the corner of my eye, I catch the slight smirk on his face.
“I am—it’s great,” I say, taking a small sip of my drink.
“Care to dance with me?” he asks. “I was patiently waiting for my turn.”
My heart skips.
“Sure,” I say, standing up.
We move to the dance floor.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he says, leaning slightly closer. I can feel his breath brush lightly against my skin.
A shiver runs down my spine.
“You look great yourself, Mr. Markfields.”
“Just Ryan,” he says with a soft chuckle, his eyes holding mine.
“Ryan,” I repeat, my voice quieter than I expected.
For a moment, everything else fades—the music, the people, the noise.
It’s just… this.
Then—
“Enjoy your evening, Jenna,” he says, stepping away.
And just like that, the moment breaks.
“What was that?”
Cindy appears beside me, grinning widely.
“All that smooching with the boss? I see you.”
“Stop it, Cindy,” I say, trying not to smile.
“So you like him, right? Right?”
“No, Cindy. I don’t. It was just a dance—you’re exaggerating.”
“Okay, if you say so,” she teases. “We’re going for drinks like we planned earlier. Wanna come?”
I shake my head.
“I think I’ll sit this one out. I’m really tired—my social battery just hit zero.”
“Alright, Ms. Introvert,” she laughs. “Get home safely.”
“Thanks. Enjoy your night—but not too much,” I say, winking.
I step outside, the cool air hitting my skin instantly.
I wait near the entrance, looking for a taxi.
A black truck pulls up in front of me.
The window rolls down.
Ryan.
“Hey, need a lift?” he asks.
“I’m alright—I’m sure I’ll catch a taxi soon.”
“Come on, it might take a while. It’s almost 10 p.m. I don’t mind. Hop in.”
I hesitate… then nod.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. Where to?”
“You can take a left at the T-junction, then the building across McDonald’s—that’s my apartment complex.”
A few minutes later, we arrive.
“Thank you, Mr. Markfields.”
“Ryan, remember,” he says.
“Right… Ryan.”
I step out of the car and walk toward my apartment.
Ryan’s POV
I arrive home and notice Jim by the gate.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Good evening, Jim.”
I park in the garage, but as I reach to lock up, I notice something on the passenger seat.
Glasses.
Jenna’s.
I pause for a second… then get back into the car.
I pull up outside her apartment and call her.
The phone rings for a few seconds before she picks up.
“Hello?”
She sounds slightly out of breath… and confused.
“Hi… it’s Ryan.”
There’s a pause.
“Ryan?” she repeats, clearly surprised. “Um… is everything okay?
”
“Yeah,” I say, glancing at the passenger seat. “You left your glasses in my car.”
“Oh—” she lets out a small breath. “I didn’t even notice… I thought I had them.”
Another pause.
“You’re… here?” she asks, a little unsure.
“Yeah. Outside your apartment.”
“Oh… okay,” she says quickly. “My apartment is number 50. I can’t come down—I just got out of the shower. Give me a minute to dress, and I’ll meet you at the door.”
“I’ll come up,” I reply.
I knock.
“Just a minute—I’m done!” she calls from inside.
The door opens.
And for a second… I forget why I’m here.
She’s wearing a short satin sleep dress with a robe, her hair still damp.
She looks—
I stare.
Too long
“Ryan… are you okay?” she asks, lightly tapping my hand.
I blink.
“Mmh—sorry. Yes. I’m fine. I just came to return your glasses. You left them in my car.”
“Oh, thank you. I didn’t even notice. I must have dropped them while searching for my keys.”
“Yeah…”
Silence.
“I’ll see you on Monday,” I finally say. “Have a nice weekend.”
“You too. Drive safely.”
I nod and leave.
But the image of her stays with me.
God… this woman.
****
So hey guys, I know I haven’t properly introduced Dean yet 😍. Just thought of giving you a little sneak peek in the flashback. Don’t give up on me—let’s keep reading. It’s just the beginning.
- Writer
