Chapter 3 Break up

### **Araya**

She left with Alex trailing behind her, leaving me utterly alone. A wave of nervousness washed over me, and I felt like a little girl who had lost her parents. Well, I *had* lost them. A tear escaped, but I quickly wiped it away. Moments later, I saw Ash approaching me, accompanied by a fair-skinned girl dressed in a stunning pink crystal-ball gown. Her golden-brown hair cascaded down her back, glowing under the moonlight, making her appear like an ethereal angel. Her piercing blue eyes were the most captivating I had ever seen. It wasn't just her beauty; she exuded wealth and elegance.

"Hey, sis, meet Emma Natalia Dragons. And Emma, meet my number-one best sister, Araya Kathryn Elizabeth Stewarts," Ash introduced us, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Hi, Dragons," I greeted politely, extending my hand for a handshake.

Instead, Emma pulled me into a warm hug. "I've heard so much about you from Ashley! I'm so glad you could come to my birthday party. It's such a pleasure to meet the sister of my best friend!" she gushed.

I laughed, charmed by her enthusiasm.

"Ashley, dear, your sister is stunning. I'm sure my brother would fall head over heels for her," Emma whispered to Ash, and they both giggled. Her radiant smile was infectious.

"May I have this dance, sister?" Emma asked, extending her hand toward me.

Her grace and humility were enchanting. It was hard to believe this poised young girl owned such a magnificent mansion. She seemed far too grounded for someone so wealthy.

"Sure, dear," I replied, thrilled by her warm gesture.

We waltzed to the rhythm of the music until she was called away by her classmates.

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### **Ash Returns**

"How is Emma, Ally?" Ash asked with a curious smile.

"She's wonderful, Ash. I'd give her a pass. And yes, she definitely smells of money," I replied truthfully, smiling at her.

"May I have this dance, Ash?" a boy, likely one of Ash's classmates, approached us from behind.

"Of course," Ash replied with a shy smile, following him to the dance floor.

Left alone, I grabbed a glass of wine and found a seat. I drank slowly, trying to ease the tension of the day. But as the minutes passed, I started to feel restless.

One glass turned into two, then three. The wine attendant gave me a curious look, but I ignored it. My head was beginning to spin, but I kept drinking. Then, in my slightly tipsy state, I scanned the room-and my jaw dropped in shock.

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### **A Shocking Sight**

Jennifer Woods was dancing with Jason. My Jason. Or was I imagining things?

Jason had told me earlier that he couldn't make it to the party because of "work commitments." So why was he here, in the arms of a woman infamous for her manipulative, gold-digging ways? I blinked rapidly, hoping I was mistaken, but the scene remained unchanged. Jennifer was draped all over him, blowing kisses in his direction.

The rage that boiled within me was unstoppable. Swinging about unsteadily, I stormed toward them.

"Hi, Jason," I said in a low, mocking tone as I approached them from behind.

Startled, he turned around, his face pale. "Aray... I... you... I... wh-what are you doing here?" he stammered."

The slap I delivered to his face echoed in the room. It felt oddly satisfying. He stood frozen, clearly not expecting such a reaction.

"What am I doing here?" I spat, laughing bitterly. "What does it *look* like I'm doing here, Jason?!" My voice cracked with the weight of betrayal.

I turned to Jennifer, who stood speechless. "And you-Jennifer, the town's professional gold digger-did you think I wouldn't find out?!" My voice was sharp, biting.

Jennifer smirked, clearly unfazed. "You look ridiculous, Araya Stewarts. Absolutely pathetic."

The room fell silent, all eyes on us, but I didn't care.

"You dare call *me* pathetic?" I seethed. "You've been sneaking around with my boyfriend, and now you're bold enough to insult me?"

In a flash, I raised my hand to slap her, but Jason caught my wrist mid-air.

"Stop, Araya. Please, let's talk about this later," Jason said, his tone pleading.

"Talk about *what*, Jason?!" I yelled, wrenching my hand away. "There's nothing to talk about! You lied to me, betrayed me! Just because I wouldn't sleep with you, you decided to find someone else? And *her* of all people?!"

Jason's guilt was written all over his face, but it only fueled my anger further.

"You told me you respected my boundaries. You *promised* me it wasn't an issue. And yet, here you are. You're disgusting," I hissed, my voice trembling with rage.

Jason tried to reach for me, but I stepped back. "Don't touch me! I hate you, Jason. I curse the day I ever gave you my heart."

I turned away, my vision blurred with tears. Ash, Alex, and Emma were standing nearby, their expressions a mixture of hurt and concern.

"Ara, let me take you home," Alex offered gently.

"No, Alex. I'll manage," I said, my voice cold.

I turned to Emma and Ash, forcing a smile through my tears. "I'm so sorry for ruining your night, Emma. Truly."

I spun on my heel, addressing the crowd of onlookers. "Can you all mind your own business?" I barked before storming off.

Before leaving, I pulled off the ring Jason had given me-a symbol of our four-year commitment. I tossed it at him without a second glance.

"Goodbye, Jason Hardley. And thank you for showing me your true colors," I said before disappearing into the bathroom.

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### **Author's Note**

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Ivory smart*