All Chapters of What About Love?: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Darren's POVWhen we started walking toward the auditorium, an uneasy thought crossed my mind. Bridgette always had invisible eyes and ears scattered across the campus. “Wait, bubs," I said, stopping in my tracks. I looked at her curiously, my brows slightly furrowed. “Can we… go somewhere else? Somewhere quieter? ”Her expression softened. “Where do you have in mind? ”I thought for a second, then a place popped into my head. “Let’s go to the UP Sunken Garden on the eastern side of the campus. It’s open, but far enough from everyone’s eyes. At least Bridgette won’t follow us there.”I tilted my head, studying her for a moment. “Would that be okay, bubs? ” I asked carefully, afraid she might think it was strange.“Yah. It’s okay,” she said softly.Relief washed over me. At least we would have a place where we could talk freely. Though I wasn’t afraid of Bridgette, I couldn’t help but worry how far she’d go to twist things around. More than anything, I wanted to protect Jeyah because

DARREN POVI woke up early that morning with an unusual lightness in my chest. The first thing that came to my mind wasn’t the pile of assignments or the headache of group work — it was her. Jeyah.Just the thought of seeing her again made me smile like an idiot. I grabbed my towel and headed straight to the bathroom, humming softly under my breath. I wasn’t usually a morning person, but today… it felt different. It felt right.The warm water splashed down my back as I leaned against the tiled wall, replaying yesterday in my head—the way she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke, like she didn’t even realize how beautiful she was.“Get it together, man,” I muttered, shaking my head with a grin.After a quick shower, I changed into a dark polo shirt and blue jeans. I fixed my hair carefully—which I didn’t normally care much about. But today, I wanted to look good. For her.Just as I was about to go out of my room, my phone started ringing in my pocket. I froze for a second

JEYAHI was crying on my bed that night, curled beneath my blanket as if it could shield me from the pain clawing at my chest. Each sob made my throat burn, and my eyes felt heavy from all the tears I shed. My mind replayed everything I had learned—like a cruel film stuck on loop—until I felt numb.Then suddenly, my phone rang.I jolted a little, wiping my tears as I grabbed it with shaking hands. Darren’s name flashed on the screen like a haunting reminder. For a second, I just stared at it, my thumb hovering over the red button. I told myself I shouldn’t answer. I didn’t want to hear excuses. But something stronger pulled me—my heart, maybe. Or my foolishness.I swallowed hard and pressed answer.“Yes, bubs,” I whispered, trying to sound stable. I failed.“Jeyah…” Darren’s voice came out raw, tired. “I’m really sorry if I kept it from you. I didn’t mean to hurt you, bubs. I swear.” He paused as if collecting the right words. “The engagement—it’s something our fathers arranged years

DARRENDays turned into months, but the weight of my decision never stopped haunting me. My groupmates became distant and cold, and I couldn’t blame them. From their eyes, I was a fool—an idiot who hurt Jeyah. It felt like an invisible wall was placed between us, plastered with their judgment.Tomorrow is my graduation day. It should be one of the happiest moments in my life, but all I feel is emptiness. The toga hanging by the door, the medal wrapped in paper—none of it brings joy. My family is here, but it doesn’t fill the hollow feeling in my chest.Dolly entered my room holding a warm cup of tea."Here," she offered. “Are you really going through with this? ” she asked quietly.“Yes,” I answered, my voice sounding broken—static, like a radio with a poor signal. “I have no other choice.”Daphne, who was following behind, leaned on the doorframe, watching me with soft eyes, then walked closer and rubbed my back. “Chum, we’re angry at Bridgette,” she said, voice trembling with both f

JEYAHAfter hearing Darren’s explanation, I felt a strange sense of relief. The pain inside me eased a little when I learned he was forced into the engagement—for the sake of his sick mother.In his heart, I was the only girl he ever loved. But sometimes, even the strongest love can’t promise a happy ending. Love demands sacrifices… and some of them hurt.“Sweetie, are you alright?” Andre asked the moment we got home from the celebration. My groupmates had gone off to continue theirs with their families.“Yes, boo. I’m okay. Darren and I finally talked,” I replied softly.“And? What did he say?”I let out a long breath before slowly telling my brother everything—the truth Darren had been carrying all along.When I finished, Andre leaned back on the couch, eyes serious, jaw slightly clenched. For a moment, he didn’t speak. His silence was louder than any reaction I could imagine.“So that’s it?” he finally murmured. “He broke you because he had no choice?”His voice was calm, but I cou