Corruption

Enough

TJ Carmen has basically destroyed any chance of having a business deal with anyone. Thanks to Rebecca, his true intentions are out and open. Pacing around his luxury bedroom, he rushed his hands through his hair for the seventh time that morning. His parents were coming home that afternoon and he had no idea what he would say. They entrusted him with expanding the Carmen Empire and what did he do? Screw it up, just like everything else. His parents never trusted him with anything. How did he do so badly on his first try?! Shaking off the bad mood, he quickly collected his things and practically ran out of the manor to the front door. If he couldn't face his parents, he could damn well face everyone else.

William stopped talking to him after his latest defeat, letting whatever friendship they had crash and burn. He decided to sit next to someone new. Even though she looked the part of a standard rich-girl, the facial expression she wore said everything otherwise. She looked like she saw a ghost unless it was just the makeup. He didn't want to know why she looked like that since there was probably a long story. She had other plans.

"Hey, you're TJ Carmen, right?" she asked.

He glared at her. She whipped her head back around, realising that that was a mistake. However, she wasn't about to let a bad mood ruin her opportunity. "So, I was wondering-

"Whatever it is, I don't want to know. Whatever you heard, it's all true. Don't ask" he cut her off, not bothering to look at her. "Who even are you, anyway?"

"I thought you didn't want to know. Either way, it's Annabelle Chi. I just joined the school" she kindly said. She didn't seem that bad and, judging by her obliviousness, she hadn't heard the news about him. Plus, she came from the rich side. One thing he learned from his parents was when everything goes to shit, salvage what you can and start over. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you. As you already know, my name is TJ Carmen. In fact, how did you know my name?" He flashed a small, charming smile at her.

"Well, how could I not know Carmen Enterprises. Your parents' business is very famous where I'm from. My parents would love to make some form of a connection with yours if you don't mind" she explained, smiling brightly.

TJ couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sure, it would be a massive downside compared to what his parents planned, but an international agreement? Taxpayers from England and Asia? The business would thrive! However, just to make sure she's sincere, he said "I suppose I'll think about it. I want to know for sure if you'll uphold your end of the bargain as I'll uphold mine"

"Thank you, TJ. I sincerely appreciate it" Annabelle beamed. 

TJ, surprisingly, hopped off that bus with a slight spring in his step. Since he genuinely looked too happy, Rebecca decided to figure out what that big smile was about. However, when she saw the Asian girl next to him, she stopped in her tracks. So, he decided to find a new business partnership, huh? Good for him. Although, very deep down inside, she missed what they had. She missed the very few fleeting moments of true enjoyment. She missed his smiles, his laugh, the way he repeatedly ruffled his own hair when he was embarassed. She realised that, very deep down, she missed him.

Nonetheless, it was all part of letting go.

"Ok, this is just annoying me now" she complained, peering over at TJ and Annabelle.

"Them? Why? I thought you were done with TJ" Chase asked, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"Yeah, I am, but why does he have to be with her  all the time?" 

Chase smirked a bit. "Rebecca, Layla is the one with envy so why does this bother you?"

"I'm not envious! I just don't know why, of all people, he decides to hang out with her"