Mercy for Everyone but Me

Jason pushed through the crowd and walked in amid the tense atmosphere. It was then that I realized people who usually had a gentle demeanor could have a surprisingly commanding presence when they got serious.

He pulled me up from the chair, putting some distance between me and Sean at the same time. His expression was grim.

A flicker of guilt finally stirred within me. I opened my mouth to speak, but for some reason, Jason's hand suddenly brushed against my neck. I knew the spot beneath his hand must have been red from Eric's iron grip earlier.

Jason's fingertips were ice-cold. When they came into contact with my skin, I flinched instinctively. He withdrew his hand, his gaze deep yet unreadable.

He adjusted my collar before speaking in a low voice. "We'll talk about this when we get back."

A mediator stood between us all, attempting to intervene. He sweated nervously, reluctant to offend either side. "Both of your injuries seem minor enough. How about we not make a mountain out of a molehill and just let this slide?"

No one spoke. Jason shielded me behind him. I could only see his assistant walk over to Eric and hand him a business card.

Jason said calmly, "Mr. Sanders, we will cover all your medical expenses. Should any issues arise, please feel free to call the number on the card.

"Also, going forward, please watch your words and your actions. The cost of your medical bills matters little to us. I just don't think your body will survive another ordeal like this one."

Jason's threat was thinly veiled. If we'd been anywhere else, I would be letting my inner thug loose and making a scene by now.

Eric was equally stunned. He seemed unsure whether he should take the card or leave it. He glanced helplessly at Sean.

The latter remained silent. Jason, having lost his patience, took my hand and steered us past the crowd toward the exit.

As we walked past Sean, I felt someone seize my wrists in a tight grip. I turned around and saw the corners of Sean's eyes redden.

He rarely showed such raw emotion. Now, he looked both unsettled and vicious.

I pulled away with all my strength. I didn't look back again until I got into Jason's car.

The drive back was quiet. Jason didn't ask me any further questions, and my spirits were low enough. I soon dozed off, only awakening when the car came to a stop. I found Jason watching me from the driver's seat as I woke up.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

His gaze was deep. Under the dimly lit backdrop, it seemed unusually gentle.

"Let's get you out of the car first," he said, avoiding my question.

As we got out of the car, a fluffy, plump Malamute came bounding over, wagging its tail furiously.

"Chubs?" I called out.

Chubs was the birthday present I'd gotten myself on my 18th birthday. Unfortunately, days after I brought him home, Dad returned from a business trip, and I discovered he was allergic to dog hair.

After that, Adrian gave Chubs away to Jason, who ended up taking care of him.

Come to think of it, I had indeed named Chubs myself. Back then, I was obsessed with chocolate yogurt. After I brought Chubs home, he would rummage through the trash, looking for my empty yogurt cups. That was how he got his name.

Now, I crouched down and petted the dog on the head. "Why isn't he bigger, though?" I wondered out loud.

Jason fell silent for a moment before speaking. "This is Chubs' pup. His name is Pudgy," he said.

I was speechless. The puppy in my arms perked up upon hearing his name and barked excitedly.

Jason crouched down as well and scratched Pudgy's chin. The puppy closed his eyes contentedly, his tail wagging wildly.

Jason continued, "Chubs' mate just had a new litter the other day. We're running low on dog food at home, so you, as the grandma, should help out."

That was fine by me. There was no one at home now who would stop me from keeping the puppy anyway.

I picked Pudgy up and gave him a kiss. When I looked up, I saw Jason staring thoughtfully at the puppy, lost in his thoughts.

"Pudgy is such a terrible name," I said. "Since he's coming with me, I might as well give him a new name. Fresh start and all."

A faint smile graced Jason's lips. "Whatever you want," he said.