When Love Breaks by Jack

“Oh, come on. You’re just being jealous. Word on the street is that some big players teamed up to pressure the platform into cooling off the buzz… Even the ex-husband threw his hat in the ring, and from what I’ve heard, she’s not just any girl; she comes from a family with some serious clout.”

“Come off it. Just being remotely connected to Gregory is like hitting the jackpot. How impressive can her ex or her family possibly be?”

“If she’s got a powerful family or ex, I’ll eat my hat.”

I skimmed through the online chatter without much interest.

Ever since the Margaret Ferguson scandal, I’ve learned not to take such gossip to heart.

Seeing that I wasn’t upset, Christine relaxed. “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you, but now that I see you’re not bothered, I feel better.” “Don’t worry about it.”

I flashed a smile. “I’ve got a pretty thick skin now.”

Let them talk. It’s not worth my energy getting worked up over gossip.

Just then, Gregory walked in, catching my smile. “Seems like your bestie is the only one who can cheer you up.”

Christine raised an eyebrow, boasting, “Of course. The power of a best friend is unmatched, something a boyfriend wouldn’t understand.”

Gregory corrected her with a serious tone, “Fiancé.”

“You’re not a fiancé

me shaking my head, amused. I pulled Gregory to sit down for breakfast, changing the subject, “I heard Mr. Ford passed

oatmeal, replied without looking up,

“That’s good, then.”

relieved to hear it

visit him in the hospital, to avoid giving people something to gossip about.” Gregory, tossing a pancake onto his plate, seemed unbothered. “Let them write

respond, Gregory turned to her, “How

off guard, Christine sputtered, “Don’t bring up sore subjects. Since when did you become

“It’s not gossip.”

me, “Dailey and I have a

“A bet on what?”

“Who gets married first.”

hospital, with my mom visiting whenever she could. During this time, Mr. Abdul, accompanied by Herbert, came to

the progression

Mr. Abdul, Christine and I were about to

recruit in advance,

smoothly. A

to attend

the

in