Jenny ordered chilli noodles but couldn’t take more than two bites. It had been three days and the stares she gets from everyone were mortifying. She wasn’t dropped from her internship program at Kevin’s but she had already decided to quit. Just as she had already submitted the documents to transfer her college to a small state college in Minnesota.

The only thing hindering her plans was her finals which were to start in two days. And, she knew she had to courage up. There were no other options for her. Quitting the restaurant was easy for her. She stopped going there all of a sudden and didn’t even receive Jiang’s call. Stella too tried her number but she refuse to pick it up.

Not any other friend or acquaintance of hers called or texted. She tried her best to avoid but looking at the comments coming wasn’t easy for her. The video was up on the porn site and though she had sent a report to remove it she hadn’t heard anything from the website.

Anyone could tell it was Jason. He had shown his room in a lot of videos and his naked physique or the tattoo on his arm wasn’t a secret too.

Jenny would enter the class with air pods in her ear and take the seat at the end. She was destroyed knowing everyone has seen her. There were many comments claiming that the girl would have been behind it trying to show everyone she did Jason. Many replied to this one as to why she would blur his face then. But the theories for how she didn’t want to be sued by Jason and hence she blurred his face were there too. As for Jason, no one had seen any such video of his before. And, for Jenny, there was no point telling anyone it wasn’t her doing. She knew no one would believe her. 

She tried refreshing his TikTok and there was a new video almost every day. People did ask him about this video and he hadn’t replied to anyone about this. She knew he will never pick up his phone so she didn’t try again. Jenny had tried telling herself many times that she won’t shed one more tear. But anything was enough stimuli. She couldn’t pass a single day making a run to the bathroom to dissipate her anxiety and at the night her pillow would be soaking wet. This is exactly what she didn’t want for herself. She wonders how she was ever to face her uncle or anyone for that matter.

Jiang did try for her number on the third day but she didn’t pick up. She was coming back from her classes when she received an email stating her video has been removed. But she already knew there were more than three million downloads.

There were a few stares that she tried to ignore and walked into her room only to startle looking at the man she has despised like never before. The anger that seared in her veins was agonizing. “You!” She yelled charging at him and he drops the flowers to hold her wrists. “I can explain.”

“How could you! How dare you show me your face?” She tried to hit him but was helpless in his death grip.

“I didn’t know. I didn’t know any of it, Jenny.” Jason said while she gasped at how strong his hold was on her wrists.

“Leave!” She yelled only for him to tell her. “I won’t. I said I will be there for you, Jenny.”

“And, you did what! How could you?” Jenny broke into uncontrollable hiccups and Jason could notice the damage. Her eyes were swollen. And, the face was smeared with tears. He did expect such a reaction from her side and let go of her hands. She slapped his face before pulling his collar. “I will never leave you, Jason. I will drag you to the court. I don’t care how strong you are. You hear me?”

Jason got his huge hands on her frail fists and leaned to her face. “I didn’t Jenny. I never did this with anyone. Why do you think I will…”

“Oh really? Then, how come you disappeared? Don’t act smart, Jason. I know why you are back. You wanted to see how I am doing. Look at me! I don’t know what sick mind of yours wanted but this is what you have done. Was I ignoring you my only mistake?” Jenny let go of his collar and got the back of her hand on her mouth. “Leave, I don’t want to do anything with you, Jason. Just leave.”

He nodded a little before wetting his lips with his tongue. “Marry me.” And, Jenny looked at him shocked. “You said what?” She raised her brows.

“I said Marry me.”

“Hell no!” She glared,

“Jenny, I know you can do this without me. But you shouldn’t. We will go and lodge a complaint with the police. I will accept it was me with you openly. And, adding how you are my fiancé and not just a girlfriend will save you a lot of trouble. You have no idea what people are telling about you…” But cutting him off Jenny got to him. “I don’t need your help!”

“Yea, of course, if you think going to Minnesota is going to solve things. You are wrong. It will chase you. And,…”

“It’s my problem. Not yours!” Jenny got louder and they heard a knock on the door. Jason looked at the door before looking at her. “It’s on me. It was my room. Our privacy was my responsibility. You were my responsibility.”

“Don’t act too smart.” Jenny hissed.

“Look, I am going to release a statement for everything cloudy around this issue. I will tell everyone you are my fiancé but if you don’t want to play around? Say you broke it off.” He looked at her face and had this urge to hold her to him. But she had to calm down to learn he didn't harm her intentionally.

“We are not done, Jenny. Not yet not ever if you gave it a thought.” Jenny refuse to look at him and he left leaving the flowers on the side table. Jenny turned around and threw the flowers on the floor.

Jason walked out and glared at the girls standing out of their room. “If any one of you gave her a hard time. My lawyer will talk to you.”

He wonders who could do this. But then many of his friends were allowed at his place. For how he was absent three days right after this incident. Jenny’s allegations were justified. He hadn’t given her any reason to trust him. So, he couldn’t complain.

After she left him all of a sudden that morning. He planned to give her a cold shoulder. And, only two hours later his father sent him to Seychelles to have an eye on the resort they were buying. Distracting himself in a place with no good internet he tried his best to stop thinking about Jenny. But the moment he landed in the USA he was shocked to find the situation. He could only imagine what misery she had been through in these three days. How he was nervous to face Jenny in her room he knew he had something for this girl.

And, it hurts when she looks at him with so much disgust. He didn’t want to see this in her eyes. She was the woman he wanted to have the best he could give. She makes him want to be unyielding. Only to protect her from anything that could hurt her. But standing there wasn’t going to solve anything. So, he left for her to have a clear mind.

He walked into his apartment to find his friends there. They were quick to cheer up or tell him.

“How did you do it?”

“It merely took you a few days, man.”

“What the hell is your secret?”

Jason stared at all of them and nodded. “Get out of here.” For a moment they were convinced that he was joking about it. “You didn’t tell me where you were?” Zack asked while the other added. “What are you to do about that girl revealing your video?”

“She didn’t. And, it has nothing to do with you. Get out of here.”

“Why so serious?” Druv said all the while getting up. All of them followed the gesture too and left. Jason knew that his statement will welcome a lot of clashes between him and his family. But there was something that tells him he can’t give up on Jenny.

Getting into his room he set his camera and went live before stating. “Hello,…” He only waited for a few seconds and thousands joined him. “…I want to clarify everything around a video that wasn’t taken without any of the party's consent...yes, it was me. With my fiancé. She is going through trauma right now. And, no. She is not a gold digger. It wasn’t her who uploaded the video. And, I request all of you understand Jenny’s situation right now. We will soon…” He stopped for a moment before he stated. “…get married. She is the woman I can spend my whole life with. This is the kind of girl she is. I have many friends and a lot have access to my apartment. So, I guess it was my mistake for not choosing my friends right. But we will definitely go to the authorities to find out all about this video. I know it’s not worth asking you to not share that video anymore but we can't care anymore. We haven’t done anything wrong. And, you won’t find us hiding. That’s for sure.”

Jenny stared at his face on the cell phone. And, now he has made it even more difficult for her. If she doesn’t agree to be his fiancé or the marriage. The world will see her as the heartless who left her partner when he was nothing but supportive.

Only a moment later she got a call from Anna. It was the first time she called her in three days. She didn’t attend her call but got messages from six different contacts in an hour. Every message asked her to stay strong. She didn’t reply to any of them. She knew none of them was true friends.

What about Jason, then? He didn’t leave your side when doing so was easy for him.

But not having any answer for where he was for three days she was a little dubious. All of a sudden she didn’t feel lonely in all of this. There was no way she was thinking about marriage now. But maybe posing as his fiancé could do the trick somehow. She couldn’t stop wondering why he was helping her. He never seemed like a person one can trust.

She typed for him hundreds of times but couldn’t find the courage to send him any text. She wanted to ask him where he was. But in the evening she got a call from him instead. After contemplating it for a few seconds she received the call. “Thank God, you are up. I am down here waiting for you. There is something we need to talk about.” Jenny only bit her lip. She wanted to yell why he told anyone such a lie without her consent. But there had already been a lot without her permission.

She cut the call and looked out of the windows to see him. He too caught her looking at him and Jenny was quick to draw the curtain. She planned to wait him out. But even after two hours, he was standing right there. There was something in his persistence that owe her for a talk.

Jason saw her coming and was quick to get the door for her. She didn’t stop to look at him too and got into the car. They were silent most of the drive but the moment he pulled into the parking lot of a tall building she asked him. “You said you want to talk.”

“It has a rooftop restaurant. Don’t worry, I have asked my friend to close it after seven. We will have all kinds of privacy.” Jenny huffed a little.

“I don’t think…” She was about to say when Jason got out of the car to get her side. He held the door for her and she walked out. She followed him to an elevator and couldn't help shaking her leg for the whole five minutes they were in the elevator. Two men stood at the entrance of the restaurant and directed them to a table in the corner. The view was spectacular through the glass walls. And, the vibe was warm.

One of the waiters seemed to be approaching them but Jason got his finger up. “We are busy,” Jason said and Jenny looked at him. She knew it was something serious.

“I don’t know what you have decided. But I can see you as my wife for the rest of my life.” And, Jenny narrowed her eyes. “Is this what you want to talk about? Jason, I don’t need your favour. It is stupid at all levels considered.” She asked.

“You are wrong. It’s not a favour. You come from a very respectable family, have values and are set for a wonderful career. Looking for a girl like you will be a job whenever I decide to marry. So, why not you?”

Jenny gave him a look. “Do you really think I will say yes? You have seen how particular I was while choosing a boyfriend. And, we are talking about a husband here.”

“I know I am not there yet. A girl like you can find someone mature, maybe more successful. And, my success isn’t mine yet. But if you consider my social media appearance. I can very much support a family without my father.”

“I am not convinced, Jason. Not after what had happened.” Jenny could tell someone had to talk sense. He looked like a persistent child who wanted something.

“I can wait,” Jason suggested and Jenny bit her cheek.

“It’s not that. You have been dating a lot of girls in the past. Why not one of them? Why me? And, I am sure your family isn’t happy about the statement you put forward.”

“None of them were serious. You can have my word. They knew we weren’t together. It was only for exposure. They wanted something and I wanted to have fun. It was all mutual.” Jenny got up from her place and walked out on the cold balcony. It was all too much for her to process.

Only a moment later she felt Jason offering her a jacket. And, she whispered. “You do realize it will be far easier for you to dump me. I have to think it through. To be honest, I don’t trust you. Today, you wanna marry. The next day...?”

“If you want we will not go through any prenup. This is how much I trust you. I will make everything right. It’s really not about helping you..." Holding her shoulders he turned her around slowly. "...I know something horrible happened. Horrible enough for you to leave me. But I know I can’t let it happen. I need to keep you. Let me be there for you, Jenny.” She looked into his blue eyes and pressed her mouth.

“It sounds weird. How are you sure you will be fine spending your life with me?”

“Jenny, a man knows. Trust me. We know. And, you can find a person who will say he loves you before he marries you. But even then you don’t know if that marriage will be successful. I am not saying I love you. But what I feel for you is strong. Even the thought of you trying to break this relationship has me on the edge. I am not the kind of person to wait for someone for two hours. But I know you are worth more. I will always be loyal to you. Trust me.” And, Jenny let out a chuckle.

“Ok, what if I say I am not breaking this relationship? And, you should relax and stop talking about marriage.”

“That won’t happen. I want to make it strong enough. Strong enough for it to never break. And, I am not easy with the thought of you living anywhere I am not around to take care of you. Move in with me.” And, Jenny got defensive again. Yes, even the marriage meant moving in. But the mention of moving in got Jenny feeling a little vulnerable.

“Where were you for the three days?” Jenny had to know this.

“I was in Seychelles. I didn’t have internet.”

“You were posting on TikTok.” Jenny retorted,

“I pay my friends to edit my videos and upload them. Do you really think I will leave you when you need me the most? Oh yea, you still don't trust me. But it’s not even on you.” Jenny let out a breath and looked at the breathtaking city.

Jason ordered the food for both because Jenny refuse to order anything. Their meal went silent and Jason offered after paying for the bill. “I can come and stay with you for the night. I don’t have any good feeling about you staying alone."

And, Jenny took her time to look at him. “If I didn’t kill me in the last three days. I think I will be fine.” She got up from her place and Jason followed too.

“For those three days, I didn’t know what you were going through. Jenny, let me be there.” He held her hands and she looked into his eyes.

“I have hated you the most.”

“I can understand. You can hate me forever. I won’t mind. Just stay here.” Her breathing hitched when he leaned closer. She hiccupped a little and Jason was quick to secure her in his large arms. “I don’t want to leave you alone, Jenny. Let me stay.”

Jason took her to a hotel afterwards and ordered hot chocolate for her. Jenny wasn’t sure why she was here with him. But it was better than staying alone. She has already started admitting it wasn’t Jason’s fault. In fact, he was someone brave enough to accept he was the guy in that video. That night he didn't let her on her own even for a moment. And, managed to get her in his arms all night long.

Though Jenny wanted to go attend her class in the morning he convinced her to take an off. It was only in the evening he dropped her back at her residence. He had already told her twice to move with her but there was no way Jenny could see herself doing it.

He kissed her head while bidding. “Take care,” Jenny could notice he wanted to come in, for how he didn’t let go of her hand. For a moment, she wanted to let him in. She wonders too how she was going to do it without his arms. How he cuddled her last night without initiating anything speaks of his maturity and control. 

But she tried to show her strong side saying, “Thank you,” And, got her hands out.

She was walking into the dorm when she got a call from her lawyer. Only the realization that Jeff too has seen that video got her unsettled. “Hello,” Her voice came breathy. There were knots in her stomach. She noticed a few girls passing the hallways all the while listening to her lawyer. “Miss Park, you can tell what it is about. I am calling you on your uncle’s behalf. He is of the view that you too should announce your engagement to your boyfriend, Jason Wilson. It seems that a lot of directors have gotten to know about your mishap. And, the stocks declined a lot yesterday…” Jenny bit her lower lip so hard she knew it was bleeding now. She was beyond embarrassed. “…also, do file your complaint as soon as possible.”

She wanted to ask Jeff if she should follow through with the advice but what left her mouth was, “I will.” She had to admit that she needed help. A lot of people knew better what to do here. Running away to Minnesota wasn’t going to solve anything. She had her father’s image attached to her. And, she refuses to abandon it.

She walked out in the night to send the signed documents her uncle needed. It seems he was concerned. Recalling how Jason had been, she felt warm. Maybe it's time that she stops being strong and trusts her uncle and Jason wholly.

It was hard given how she had always been sceptical about putting her trust in anyone after the demise of her family. But it was time she notices the people who were at stake too at her lowest. Walking back to her hall of residence she called Jason. He picked at the first ring. “Are you fine?”

“Yea, Jason, I...am...ready for the engagement. I will be your fiancé.” Only after uttering the words, she realized how she did it after hearing the stock falling. “Where are you?” Jeff asked,

Am I using Jeff’s proposal because it is benefitting me? But then shaking her head she huffed out a little. “Close to the soccer field. I am heading back to…”

“Stay right there. Do you hear me? I am going to make everything worthy of you, Jenny. I promise.” Jenny bit her mouth and smiled. A cold gush of air made her shiver and she held her left arm before telling him. “You better.”