Chapter 8 Unworthy

Queenie was staring at William. She was a beautiful womanperhaps an eight out of ten. William spent a lot of effort just to woo her back then, and now he was staring back at her. He thought he could finally make up for lost time, but now Queenie had nothing but indifference in her eyes. “William, I’m here to clear things up before we graduate. We can’t go on any longer. Let’s break up.” A sigh escaped William’s lips. “You’re impatient. You just had to wait two more days. Two more days, and you’ll see” “I don’t need to understand anything,” Queenie snapped. “We’re over, so don’t come near me ever again.” William laughed at himself. This is her choice. Then so be it. He turned to Tanner, his erstwhile friend. Beset by guilt and shame, Tanner stared at the ground. Queenie shoved him. “What are you chickening out for? You’re a lot better than him now.” Driven by courage, Tanner raised his head and shouted, “She’s my girlfriend now, William. But this is not our fault. Love just dawns on us. I” Aidan sneered, “Oh, cut the crap, you wanker. Back when you were a poor little dunce, William lent you his money when you couldn’t even afford a meal. Back when you couldn’t stand working long hours, William took over your shifts. And remember the time you fell ill? William paid for your fees and took care of you for two whole weeks. But what did you do? You f*cking stole his girlfriend.” Tanner opened his mouth, but he could say nothing. He paled in embarrassment. Queenie snapped, “This is none of your business, Aidan.” “It is my business.” Aidan snorted. “My business is shutting b*tches up.” Queenie became red with fury, and she turned to William. “That’s it. Do you have any idea how much I’ve had to suffer when you were in jail? My friends laughed at me, and my family told me to break up with you. This would’ve happened sooner or later. I would never date an ex-co” “Enough,” William interrupted. “You’re not worthy of me, woman.” Like an angry cat, Queenie bristled. She screeched, “What did you just say?” Aidan nodded. “Well said.” William ignored them and beckoned at Tanner. Reluctantly, Tanner approached William. With a sheepish voice, he said, “William, I” William slapped Tanner so hard, he spun around and fell to the ground. Shocked, Queenie screamed, “What did you do?” Tanner leaped back up and glared at William while pointing at his erstwhile friend. “What are you doing? It’s not my fault you couldn’t keep a girl. Even if she didn’t date me, she would’ve gone with someone else.” “Cut the crap, Tanner,” said William. “That slap was for everything I did for you. Now we’re even.” Tanner wanted to say something to at least salvage the relationship, but Queenie sneered. “Get off your high horse, William. Tanner’s house just got relocated, and the developers gave them five units. He’s a lot richer than you are now. Can you please just face reality? Do you really think a dropout and an ex-convict can date any woman? I just did what any woman would,” she mocked. “You’re the one unworthy of me. That’s why I left!” William didn’t even want to waste even one second talking to her. Just when he was about to leave, a familiar voice said, “Honey? Why are you here?” Surprised, William turned around. He was faced with a woman in a red dress, the hem of which was adorned with a white rose. Her skin was fair, and her curves were perfect. She was none other than Tia. Tia held William’s arm and leaned in his embrace. She then shot the stumped Queenie a look and pouted. “So, she’s your ex, huh? No wonder you broke up with her. She’s ugly.” Queenie wanted to scream, but she could say nothing. In the face of Tia, her looks were nothing. Even Tanner was stunned. He had never seen a woman as beautiful as Tia in real life. “Why are you staring at her?” Queenie kicked him. “What brings you here?” William was surprised. Thought you had important business. Tia smiled. “I called your mother a while ago. She said you came to Justford as well. I realized that we were on the same train, so I searched for you all over after I hopped off.” Delighted by the presence of a fair lady, Aidan smiled. “I have a car. Let’s go.” “Sure. Thanks.” Tia smiled. The three of them made their way to the car park, leaving Tanner and Queenie alone and speechless. The headlights of an old national car blinked. That was Aidan’s car. William and Tia took the backseat. A moment of silence later, William said, “Thank you, Tia.” Thanks for helping me out. Tia chuckled. “You only say that because I’m hot.” William rolled his eyes. You could be humbler. “Mom told me you had urgent business. What was it?” Tia sighed. “It’s a hassle. I’ll tell you eventually.” “Why not now?” William looked at her. “I might be able to help.” Tia frowned. “It’s my dad. Someone conned him. They tricked him into buying some stones, and he lost tens of millions. Grandpa’s livid. He’s going to cut off Dad’s income and suspend him from the company. He’s asking me to help him out.” William was shocked. Tens of millions? Whoa, they’re rich. So, Tia is actually a rich kid? Noticing William’s shock, Tia smiled bitterly. “I wanted to hide for a while, but now I must go back. My great-aunt is using this to double down on my dad. She’s going to kick him out of the inner circle of the family at this rate.” She held her forehead. What will I do about Dad? William assured her, “It’s alright. Calm down.” Tia heaved a sigh. “How can I? My great aunt is going to use this and make me marry that guy.” Wonder if the third eye can see through stones. “So, what kind of precious stones was your dad hoping for?” “Jade,” answered Tia. “He has always been an impulsive guy. He spent one hundred and fifty million in Southside for seven rocks. Got nothing in the first four, so he lost everything.” A moment of silence later, William said, “I dabble in jades in my free time. Take me to Southside and we’ll see what happens.” Tia looked at him in surprise. “Are you sure, William?”

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