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Chapter 26
While the seven women were together at Megan's house, Jalen was at his apartment comfortably sunk into his couch, controller in hand, locked into an intense Call of Duty match. He was in his element: sweatpants, t-shirt, socks on, fully relaxed for the first time in what felt like forever. The past few months had been chaotic, but at this moment, there were no court cases, no threats, no crises. Just him and the game.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Jalen turned around at the sound of knocking and frowned, sighing as he quit the game and put the controller down. He wasn't expecting anyone.
He got up, stretched, and peered through the peephole.
It was Jennifer Rollins.
Jalen exhaled sharply. Of all people.
He hesitated. For a brief second, he debated not opening the door, but that wasn't his style. He swung the door open, keeping his expression neutral.
"Hi..." Jennier said softly, her nerves evident in the way she shifted slightly on her feet. "Can we talk?"
Jalen leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. His face remained unreadable.
"I don't know," he said bluntly. "Last time I saw you, you basically accused me of ruining your life."
Jennifer winced. She knew she deserved that.
"Jalen..." she started, her voice quieter now. "I was wrong for yelling at you that day, and I'm really sorry."
Jalen's expression didn't change. "Thanks," he said flatly. "Well, at least you don't have to agonize about choosing me anymore."
That hit Jennifer hard. She stared at him, taking in the coldness in his voice, the hurt behind his eyes. She had done that. She had hurt him.
Jalen, the man who had never manipulated her, pressured her, or deceived her, and who had shown her nothing but patience and care... She had attacked his very character when she yelled at him. She had made him feel like the villain, when in reality, she had wanted him to finish inside of her. She had stayed in his lap, she had clung to him, and then she had blamed him for it.
Jennifer swallowed hard. She felt sick.
"...Can I come in?" she asked quietly.
Jalen didn't move at first. He let the silence stretch, studying her carefully. Then, after a beat, he stepped aside, letting her in.
She walked in slowly, standing awkwardly in the middle of his living room as he closed the door behind her.
Jalen crossed his arms again, waiting. "Talk."
Jennifer stood in the middle of Jalen's living room, arms lightly crossed over her stomach. The space felt different than last time she was here... or maybe she just felt different.
Jalen stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his posture closed off. He wasn't making this easy for her, and he shouldn't.
She took a breath, steeling herself. "I owe you more than just an apology, Jalen," she began carefully. "I hurt you. I know I did."
Jalen said nothing. He just tilted his head slightly, waiting.
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