Bumping Accident | Englot

Chapter 26

Engfa's POV.

I've been stuck at this opening party for the school for what feels like an eternity, and the only thing I want is to escape and head home. My parents did the whole ribbon-cutting ceremony with the oversized scissors, officially launching the school into action. Now, we're stuck at the after-party, enduring endless small talk and forced smiles.

I haven't really seen Charlotte, she had to come earlier and I didn't really see her during the ceremony.

A wave of boredom washes over us, and Chompu voices what we're all thinking. "Can we leave?" she pleads.

"Please," I add, glancing towards her for support.

But Tina, ever the optimist, insists, "No, we have to stay a little longer."

"This is beyond boring, and my dad's newfound kindness is making me nervous."

"Yeah, he's definitely up to something," Nudee agrees.

I glance towards the front of the room, catching sight of my parents engaged in conversation with other guests. My mom catches my eye and offers a reassuring smile, but my attention quickly shifts as I scan the room for Charlotte.

Failing to spot her, I resign myself to focusing on my friends. But just as I turn back to them, Tina grabs my arm, her grip surprisingly tight. "Oh no don't turn around now," she warns urgently.

Confused, I turn, only to find myself face to face with Jack, Dolly's boyfriend, and Liam, Charlotte's ex. Of course these two assholes know each other.

"If you start something, I swear I'll abandon you at the precinct and let them haul you off," Tina threatens under her breath before they reach us.

"She's joking, we can even help you fight.” Nudee chimes in, and Chompu nods in agreement.

Before I can respond, I hear someone clear their throat, and I glance up to find Jack and Liam standing beside me.

"How's life? What's your name again?" Liam points at me, feigning forgetfulness.

"I don't know, how's your nose?" I retort, not missing a beat.

"Engfa Waraha, you're looking as stunning as ever," Jack comments.

"I can't say the same about you, buddy," I shoot back.

"Where's Charlotte? I haven't seen her," Liam inquires, and I instinctively move to stand up, but Tina's grip on my arm tightens.

"Don't you dare say her name," I snap, my voice rising.

"Why? Is she yours now? Come on, we can share. She'll always be mine, no matter what," Liam taunts.

I glance at Tina, silently pleading for her to release me. Slowly, she lets go, and I rise to my feet, facing the two of them head-on, causing them to take a step back.

"She's no one's, not mine and definitely not yours. She's her own person," I assert firmly, my voice cutting through the tension.

"Whoa, chill out, Engfa, we're just messing around," Jack interjects, attempting to diffuse the situation.

"Shut up asshole, you're just a cheater. Dolly will see your real side sooner or later," Nudee's voice rings out from behind me, her words laced with contempt.

"Mmm how about we tell your dad about Charlotte? I'm sure he would love to know about your new girlfriend," Jack taunts, his gaze shifting towards my dad who is still engrossed in conversation.

My attention shifts towards the entrance as I catch sight of Charlotte striding towards us, her expression a mix of anger and determination.

"God can't even help you two now," I mutter under my breath as Charlotte approaches, her presence instantly calming.

"Hey, baby, sorry I was taking care of some stuff," she apologizes, reaching for my hand. "You're just in time for the show, beautiful."

Liam takes a step forward and locking eyes with Charlotte. “Charlotte how are you? You look good.”

I move to step in front of her protectively, but Charlotte squeezes my hand reassuringly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Your nose looks a little weird, did you break it?" Charlotte asks innocently, her remark causing Chompu to burst into laughter. I'm sure everyone in this room can hear her.

Liam's hands clench into fists as he seethes, "Don't speak to me like that, you bitch."

I release Charlotte's hand and grab him by the collar of his shirt, my grip firm. "You seem to have forgotten what happened the last time you called her that word. I can remind you if you'd like," I warn, my voice dripping with menace.

He visibly swallows and attempts to break free, but I maintain my hold, refusing to back down. He eventually relents and turns to Jack for support, who remains silent, taking a cautious step back.

"You know what, why don't you ask Jack when the last time he got a job was?" I challenge, redirecting the attention to Jack.

As all eyes turn to him, Jack remains tight-lipped, unwilling to respond.

"Well, since he doesn't want to tell you, I will," I continue, my voice unwavering. "He made the mistake of also calling Charlotte that word, and now no one hires him anymore. Beating you up isn't the only thing I can do. Remember that the next time you want to speak like that to someone I care about."

Before I can say anything else, I sense my dad approaching, prompting me to release Liam and step back. Charlotte follows suit, creating some distance between us.

"What's going on here? Is everyone having a good time?" My Dad asks and takes a quick glance at me.

"Everything is great, Mr. Waraha. This is my friend Liam. We came to donate to the school," Jack answers, though his claim about having money to donate seems dubious.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Waraha," Liam chimes in.

Likewise," my dad responds politely, though I can sense a hint of skepticism in his tone.

"This is a great party, Engfa, and her girlfriend sure know how to make things perfect," Liam adds, a smirk playing on his lips.

My dad shoots me a questioning look, and I inwardly cringe, hoping he doesn't decide to take action against Charlotte because of their comments.

"Girlfriend?" My dad questions and I see both Liam and Jack smirking.

I look at Charlotte and she's giving me a sad smile. I really hope he doesn't fire her she doesn't deserve it.

"Yeah, Mr. Waraha, they make a great couple," Jack chimes in, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"You, keep talking and I will cu—"

"It's fine, Chompu, everything is okay," I interject, sensing my friends' concern.

I turn back to my dad, preparing myself for the worst as he motions for security guards.

Two bodyguards come towards us and wait beside my Dad.

"Can you guys please escort these two gentlemens out." He says and I am shocked.

"What? You're kicking us out and not her," Liam protests, his arrogance faltering in the face of my dad's resolve.

"Yes, my daughter is free to date whoever she wants and do whatever she wants. I don't appreciate you guys coming here and thinking that you can do any damage to our family," my dad asserts firmly, his gaze unwavering.

He looks at me with a look of love and pride, and for a moment, I wonder if he's finally come to his senses.

"I love my daughter, and I couldn't be more proud of her. Ms. Austin is a good woman," he adds, his words a reassuring balm to my worried heart.

As the security guards usher Liam and Jack out, both dumbfounded, my dad nods at me before returning to my mom's side.

"D-did your dad just say all that stuff, or am I dreaming?" Tina asks, her disbelief mirroring my own confusion.

Did he just have a change of heart? My mind is spinning with questions, but amidst the chaos, I can only think of one thing to soothe my swirling emotions.

“I need a strawberry milkshake.”