Regret Is Only the Beginning - Chapter 11

Evie’s pathetic acting was almost laughable.

“You did that on purpose?” I sneered.

Evie sniffled. “How could you accuse me like that, Jillian?”

Right at that moment, Archie walked in. Dressed in a sharp suit, he looked so different that I almost didn’t recognize him.

After understanding what had happened, he turned to me. “Jillian, Evie didn’t mean to, Can’t you just let it go?”

I replied coldly, “We’ll know if it was intentional once we check the security footage.”

This situation was eerily similar to the first time Evie and I had met.

Back then, I had let it slide for Archie’s sake. But now? I didn’t even intend to acknowledge him anymore, so why should I tolerate Evie putting on the innocent act in front of me?

The moment I mentioned security footage, Evie panicked. She lowered her head and mumbled pitifully, “Jillian, are you still holding a grudge against me? I’ll replace your outfit, okay? Please don’t be mad.”

I was so confused.

Before I could respond, Archie immediately stepped in to comfort her. “Jillian has so many clothes. It’s just one piece that you dirtied. Don’t cry.”

“I know.” Evie leaned into him as she dabbed at her tears. “I may not come from a wealthy background, but I never intended to take advantage of you. I’ll make sure to buy you a new outfit.”

“Great.” I smiled. “When will you bring it? I’d like it better if you paid for it yourself.”

Evie’s face froze.

Archie quickly spoke up for her. “Jillian, Evie is working hard to support herself through school. She doesn’t have that kind of money. Don’t pressure her like this.”

“She’s the one who offered,” I said indifferently.

“Jillian.” Archie looked at me, disappointment written all over his face. “I never thought you’d be this kind of person. I told Evie you were reasonable, but now you’re making such a fuss over a single outfit.”

“Don’t be mad, Archie,” Evie whispered. “I’m not good enough. That’s why Jillian doesn’t like me.”

Archie grew even angrier. “You did nothing wrong! You don’t have to apologize.” He gently wiped her tears away.

Then, he turned back to me. “I already know the whole story, Jillian. Evie didn’t do it on purpose, and she already apologized. She’s just a poor student, and now she’s pregnant. Do you really have to push her this far? Why can’t you be as forgiving as you were before?”

He looked at me as if I had just bullied his beloved.

I got up, glanced at Evie, and then slapped Archie across the face.

His eyes widened in disbelief.

I shook out my hand. “I let it go last time. And what did I get in return? Her pushing the limits and you standing here, blaming me.”

Then, I slapped him again and sneered. “If your ears are useless, you might as well not have them! Didn’t she remember she was broke when she offered to compensate me? If she had any dignity, why would she need you to step in for her?

“Archie, you sure are bold now. Where was this courage a year ago when you were drowning in debt? Why didn’t you tell those loan sharks to be forgiving? And yet here you are, acting tough in front of me.”

Archie’s face turned red. He clenched his fists and kept his head down, silent.

Evie, teary–eyed, touched his cheek and glared at me.

“I know rich people like you look down on me! But if you have a problem, take it out on me. Why did you slap Archie? I’ll pay you back every cent I owe, including what I owed you back then! I, Evie Carter, won’t owe you a single penny!”