Flashback contd. (The betrayal)

Observing the unfolding drama, Dave and Lance reacted with fury, forcefully shoving Devon into the midst of the crowd. "How dare you hit Jensen Hades?! Do you want to die?!" Dave bellowed at him, his anger palpable.

Devon, undeterred, straightened himself and locked eyes with both Dave and Lance, challenging them, "Why? Are you the ones who want to kill me?!"

"Be careful with your words? You might just get what you're wishing for," A girl named Stacy interjected, her expression void of emotion as she calmly exited the scene.

"Look at this useless guy stirring up trouble. It seems he doesn't comprehend his own limitations," remarked one of the classmates, shaking his head in disapproval.

Curiosity stirred among the onlookers. "Do you even know him?"

The response came with a dismissive shake of the head, "Why wouldn't I know him? He's in my class. No money, no good fortune. Even if he were to meet his death, no one would care, believe me."

Laughter resonated through the crowd, the mocking tones echoing through the air. "Oh really? That's quite absurd! I've seen people gain popularity for being rich, but never for being unfortunate or poor. That's a first," one voice exclaimed with a note of disbelief.

"Haha, Devon isn't just broke; he's practically the embodiment of all things unfortunate. According to his very own brother, he's like a magnet for bad luck. Even his brother warned us to steer clear of him!" another chimed in, the disdain evident in his tone, fueling the collective amusement of those around.

Curiosity surfaced among the onlookers as someone questioned, "So, how did he end up with someone so beautiful?"

The response came swiftly, "Word has it they've been friends and have been together since childhood. Anyway, I think she has learned her lesson. She must have realized that it was a waste of time dating someone like him!"

"Although known for his temper, he's really outdone himself this time. Hitting Jensen? He's not getting away with that scot-free," predicted one spectator.

"Indeed, I bet he'll be left in a pitiful state. The only uncertainty is whether he'll have the funds for a wheelchair," quipped another, prompting the crowd to burst into laughter, the air charged with mockery as they collectively ridiculed Devon.

Jensen, panting heavily, cradled his face where Devon's punch landed and shot an enraged glare at Devon. "You, you good-for-nothing son of a poor excuse for a bitch! How dare you lay your filthy hands on my prized face?! Do you have any inkling of who I am? How dare you strike me?!"

Fuming, Jensen scanned his surroundings in search of something formidable, and without delay, Dave handed him a sturdy metal pipe. "This should teach him the most significant lesson of his life."

Grasping the metal pipe with determination, Jensen lunged toward Devon. "Go to hell, you despicable bastard..."

However, Glenda swiftly intervened, positioning herself in front of Devon and casting a worried glance back at him.

Jensen's frustration manifested on his contorted face. "Why are you blocking me? Move aside so I can deal with this bastard!"

Glenda shook her head, her voice exuding a mix of gentleness and firmness. "I don't want any part of this violence, and this is the school hall; it's bound to catch the attention of the principal and teachers. I'm sure none of us wants to get into trouble, right? Please spare him; he's just ignorant. You shouldn't waste your time on him. You have me now, and that's what matters most."

Jensen released a shaky breath, a smirk playing on his lips as he nodded in approval.

Meanwhile, Parker, unable to conceal his disbelief, averted his gaze and stood beside Devon. He expressed his frustration, "How can you label him as ignorant, Glenda? After everything, this is how you treat him? You end up cheating on him with someone like Jensen. Have you no respect for yourself?"

Glenda, fueled by anger, shook her head. "Don't face me, Parker. It's better for all of us to move on!"

"Cut the crap, you bitch… ah, damn, I'm not always a fan of using curse words, but now you've seen what you've caused! How's your mom, by the way? Now that she's gotten better, did you decide you needed someone who wouldn't break a sweat to give you money? Is that why you've done this? After everything Devon did for you, dedicating his life and strength to ensure you could pay for your mom's hospital bills, you betrayed him in such a manner!" Parker yelled with palpable anger.

Glenda blinked, her gaze sweeping across the bewildered crowd. "And so what?!" she vehemently defended herself. "He was obliged to do all that because we were dating and we were good friends? Did he expect me to spend the rest of my life with him? Did he anticipate that I would be forever tied to him?"

"No, I didn't," Devon calmly responded. "You were right. I felt obligated because I considered you a good friend, and your mom was a kind soul who didn't deserve to suffer. However, if you wish to part ways, shouldn't we, out of courtesy, conclude our relationship before you proceed to embrace someone else? Unlike you, I do have respect for myself. I'll help you by announcing to everyone that we've broken up, and now you're free to be with whoever you want."

Glenda's eyes welled with tears as Devon walked away, with Parker following closely behind…

Flashback over.