Jason POV :

Chapter 10 – Jason POV

Today is Letty's first day at Best Auto.

And I hate it.

That's why I insisted on coming with her. If they see me with her, they'll never hurt her. At least, I hope so.

It's been years since I last saw them. Liam. Sharon. Lana.

Years since what happened to that girl…

That poor girl.

She didn't deserve what they did to her. What they did to her father.

I heard from mutual friends that Liam, Sharon, and Lana have changed. That they're normal people now.

But monsters never change.

And maybe I'm one of them too.

Because being weak, being silent while horrible things happen… makes you a monster too.

But I'm not that guy anymore. I've grown up. I'm more responsible, mature, brave.

And today, I'll protect Letty from them.

I park my Ferrari in front of Best Auto.

Funny. Liam's dad was always richer than mine. He had power. A lot of it. But his business started to fall apart, and Liam decided to build his own company from scratch.

He did well for himself. At least he earns money. I even heard he built a house.

Good for him.

I always thought Sharon would leave him once he lost his wealth. But she didn't. Maybe she really loves him.

…Does Letty love me like that?

God, I hope so.

I hope that one day—

— Jason?

Letty's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I glance at her. She's smiling, teasing.

— You're acting like a father dropping his kid off for their first day of school. She laughs. I'm 26, you know.

I smirk, shaking my head.

— I know, babe. I just want to say hi to some old friends, then I'll leave.

She tilts her head, watching me. Something unreadable in her dark eyes.

— Okay. Let's go. It's already 9 AM.

The moment we step inside Best Auto, I feel the shift in the air.

Liam is the first to see me.

His eyes darken.

I haven't spoken to him in years. Never answered his calls. Never replied to his messages. And now, I just walk back into his life like this.

Sharon, on the other hand, reacts differently.

She rushes toward me, wrapping me in a hug. Her perfume is the same. Sickly sweet. Overpowering.

— Jason? Oh god, you're as handsome as ever.

Liam steps forward. Silent. Staring.

Letty stands beside me, watching carefully.

For a second, I wonder if Liam will say something cruel. If he'll remind me of who I used to be.

But instead, his expression softens, and he pulls me into a hug.

It's quick. Tense. But it's there.

We exchange a few words, small talk. Nothing too deep.

Then I tell them, casually, that Letty is my girlfriend.

Liam blinks. Small world, huh? He chuckles, actually congratulating me.

But Sharon…

Sharon doesn't say a word.

She just stares at Letty, her lips slightly parted.

And in her eyes, I can see it.

She doesn't like her.