Rebirth: Love me Again - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Seeking Attention

[IRAYA]

Just as I suspected, Jason called me not a moment too soon after I left the bar.

My phone buzzed incessantly, his name flashing across the screen like some unwelcome beacon. I didn’t answer at first, letting it ring a couple of times before finally picking up, not because I cared about what he had to say, but because I wanted to hear how far he’d go.

“Hello?” I answered, my tone deliberately bored, as if I had far more important things to do.

“Iraya,” Jason’s voice came through, smooth yet tainted with frustration. He always had that ability to sound like he was in control, even when he wasn’t. “Are you done with your little scene back there?”

I scoffed as I drove back to my apartment. “Scene? I don’t recall creating any scene, Jason. I simply ended things.”

“Right,” he drawled sarcastically. “Like anyone’s buying that. We both know why you came, Iraya—you wanted attention. That’s all you ever want. And if you think this act is going to make me chase after you, you’re dead wrong.”

I didn’t respond immediately, letting the silence stretch long enough for him to grow uncomfortable. Then, I chuckled softly, the sound laced with disdain. “You really think everything revolves around you, don’t you?”

He ignored my jab, pressing on with a voice that dripped with arrogance. “Look, I know how you get around my birthday. You crave attention more than anything, so here’s the deal. I’ll give you the attention you’re so desperate for after my birthday, alright? But for now, I need you to transfer the money you promised.”

There it was—the real reason for his call.

I leaned my head back, staring at the night sky as a wave of disgust washed over me. It wasn’t surprising, but hearing him demand it so blatantly, without an ounce of shame, still struck a nerve.

“I didn’t promise you anything. And you want me to transfer money to your account?” I repeated, my voice calm, though the storm was brewing beneath. “After everything you pulled tonight? After our break up? After flirting with Kylie and cheating behind my back, and letting your friends mock me?”

“Come on, Iraya,” he said with a forced laugh, as if trying to downplay the situation. “You’re blowing this out of proportion. We didn’t break up, and that’s what you call riding the wave. I needed to fit in remember? We both know how this works. You always come back after you cool down, and I always forgive you. Let’s not make this a big deal.”

I closed my eyes, gripping the phone tightly. “You really have no idea, do you?”

“Look,” he continued, sensing he was losing control of the conversation. “Just transfer the money, alright? I need it for—”

“I don’t care what you need it for,” I cut him off, my voice snappy. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Jason. I’ll transfer the money to you—but don’t ever call me again. Don’t text me. Don’t even think about coming near me. We’re done. For good.”

A stunned silence hung between us. I could hear the faint murmur of voices in the background on his end, but Jason didn’t respond right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was filled with disbelief, as if he couldn’t comprehend the reality unfolding before him. “. . . Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

“You can’t be joking, Iraya. Look, if this is about Kylie, you don’t have to worry. It was just . . . peer pressure, that’s all. I don’t even like her. You’re the one I love. I was only going along with what everyone wanted.” His words came out rushed, frantic, like a man trying to stop a door from slamming shut.

I rolled my eyes, my grip tightening around the phone. How predictable. Jason always had a convenient excuse, always found someone else to blame. “Don’t put this on them, Jason. You chose to do it. You made your choice.”

His tone shifted, turning defensive. “No, Iraya, it’s your fault. Ever since you enrolled me in that expensive school, I had no choice but to fit in—to pretend. If I didn’t, I would’ve been bullied. Do you have any idea what that was like?”

I let out a bitter laugh, the sound cold and hollow. “I enrolled you in that school so you could finish college, Jason. Not so you could pretend to be something you’re not. Don’t twist this around and make me the villain.”

There was a pause, as if he was scrambling for another excuse. Then, with a forced calmness, he said, “Look . . . let’s talk about this another time, okay? They’re calling for me right now, and we’re about to finish up here. Just wire me the money, and I promise I’ll make it up to you. Are you free tomorrow? We could go on a date—just you and me.”

I wanted to puke. The very thought of spending another minute with him made my skin crawl. How typical of Jason—when things didn’t go his way, he’d act as though nothing had happened, as though words alone could undo the damage. He wasn’t sorry. He was just desperate to get the money from me.

I exhaled slowly, keeping my voice steady. “Listen carefully, Jason. I’ll wire you the money. But from this moment on, we’re through. Isn’t that what you wanted, anyway? Now you can pursue Kylie without sneaking around. Consider it the best birthday gift I gave you.”

I didn’t wait for a response. Before he could utter another word, I ended the call. The weight of finality settled over me, but instead of regret, I felt relief—a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt in years.

I opened my banking app and swiftly transferred $100,000 to his account. This amount will keep him rich for a time so he could keep Kylie hook to him.

With a sly smirk, I leaned back in my chair. Of course, he needed the money. After all, with the little surprise I had arranged—spiking their drinks—Jason and Kylie would undoubtedly end up in a hotel tonight. And how could he possibly take her there without enough cash to pay for it?

As the transfer confirmation popped up on my screen, I felt no remorse. He wanted to play games? Fine. But this time, I would be the one setting the rules. Jason’s carefully constructed facade was about to crumble, and when it did, I wouldn’t be there to pick up the pieces.

I chuckled softly to myself, imagining his frustration when he realized what was happening. With that satisfying thought, I headed back to my apartment, the cool night air soothing against my skin.