Chapter 31~THE BREAKING POINT!
Chapter 31~THE BREAKING POINT!
~Nathan’s POV
After sending Cherry back home, Blanco dropped her off and I returned to the dorms. The boys were still practicing, but the moment Jason saw me, he stormed out.
“What’s with him?” I asked Tom.
“He’s been like that since yesterday. I don’t know what’s wrong,” Tom answered
“This jerk,” I muttered and followed Jason outside.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked, sitting next to him.
“Let Cherry go. I’ll protect her,” he said without hesitation.
“What?” I blinked at him.
“I can’t stand seeing Cherry hurt because of your selfishness,” he added, his voice steady.
“Why do you care so much? Why are you so interested in us? Protect Cherry? Why would you protect her?” I grabbed his collar.
“Because I care about her. And I will protect her. Just wait and see,” he said and walked away.
I was boiling inside. I kicked at the nearest chair, my chest rising and falling fast. Jason was getting on my nerves more than ever. Samuel tried to stop me, but I went straight to my room.
“What’s with the long face?” Samuel asked, sitting on my bed.
“Nothing. I’m just thinking,” I said with a sigh.
“Thinking about what?” he pressed.
“I’m marrying Tasha,” I answered.
“That’s good news, isn’t it? Isn’t that what you wanted?” he asked, pretending to play dumb.
“Don’t joke around. You know I’m with Cherry,” I snapped.
“Then you’re unlucky, bro. You know it’s impossible not to marry Tasha,” he said seriously.
“I’m not marrying her,” I said firmly.
“If you really love Cherry and want to protect her, you’ll have to let her go,” Samuel said. His words hit me hard.
“This time I’m not letting her go. Not a chance,” I said through clenched teeth.
“So what are you going to do?” Samuel asked.
“My dad must already know about me and Tasha breaking up. That’s why he’s rushing everything,” I explained.
“He knows?” Samuel raised his brows.
“Yeah. And I’m going to tell everyone today,” I said.
“Don’t do that unless you want to be disowned,” Samuel warned.
“I don’t care,” I answered.
“But think about Cherry. You’ll be putting her in the middle of this storm,” Samuel said.
“We can’t hide this forever. I don’t want to date her in secret. I love her too much,” I admitted, my voice low.
“Cherry won’t like it. I’m sure,” Samuel replied.
“I just love her so much,” I whispered.
“Then protect her,” Samuel said simply.
When it was time for dinner with Mr. Hyde, what shocked me most was seeing Cherry there too. My body went weak. I forced a smile, but inside I was burning. I should have told her everything earlier. Now she was going to hear I was getting engaged to Tasha? My stomach twisted.
She gave me her bright smile, and I smiled back.
“This is the last time you’ll play your little love game,” Tasha whispered beside me.
“Hi Nathan,” Mrs. Hyde greeted warmly.
“You’re becoming more handsome every time I see you,” Mr. Hyde said with a laugh.
“Not really,” I answered, smiling politely.
“Tasha is more than a princess now, she’s a real princess,” my mom said proudly. She adored Tasha. I looked at Cherry, and I knew she was hurting.
“So next week,” Dad said, “Saturday would be perfect for the proposal. Right, Nathan?”
“You’re planning my marriage date without asking me?” I asked sharply.
“Nathan?” Mom tried to calm me down.
My eyes went to Cherry. She was blinking too fast, fighting her emotions. My chest tightened.
“Nathan,” Tasha said sweetly, holding my hand, “I agree with your dad. Next Saturday sounds perfect.” She slid her arm across my shoulder.
“You’re making me uncomfortable,” I whispered, eyes still on Cherry.
“I think next Saturday is perfect,” Mrs. Hyde agreed.
“Let me go to the washroom,” Cherry said suddenly, her voice breaking. She didn’t look at me, just lowered her gaze and walked out. My heart sank. I wanted to tell her the truth right there, but she was already gone.
“I’m not proposing to Tasha! We broke up,” I said, standing to my feet.
“What?!” both families gasped in shock.