After he professed his mistake for the nth time, Liang went back to the office. As he was dead drunk, working was out of question so, he plopped on the bed in the room in his office.
This had been a place of solace for him since Jinjing left. The room was like a temple devoted to Jinjing. The few things that they had together during their short lived relation, were all carefully placed in there.
Their picture from the fresher's party was enlarged and framed. It hung on the wall right opposite the bed. He would admire it and only then would be able to fall asleep.
The ring along with the chain was lovingly placed in a glass bowl on the night stand. The watch that Jinjing was supposed to gift him on his birthday, which she had giving Meili for safe keeping, was in the bed side drawer.
The heart felt note that came along with it, was stuck on the mirror of the wardrobe. It was his Jinjing's gift for him, her writing, he treasured it dearly.
The black dress he had gifted her, which was a symbol of their intimacy, was hanging in the wardrobe along with his clothes. He would hug it to sleep every night. Initially, it still smelled of her but, over the years it lost her fragrance, yet it was priceless for him.
These few things kept him going all these years. Whenever he was would miss her or feel low, that was almost every day for the past five years, he would spend time among her sweet memories.
No one was allowed to enter this room, not even Meili.
Jiaying once tried her luck, but obviously ran out of it. She was yanked out of the office by Liang.
The reason why Jiaying still hung on to Liang was no more out of love but now, it was a matter of pride and ego for her.
Even the Mu parents did not stop her, as they too were agitated by Liang's refusal.
The friendship between the two families, took a severe hitting. They were no more as close as they used to be. Now all that the Mu family wanted was redemption.
The news of the engagement spread in their social circle, yet there was no official engagement ceremony, this made her the laughing stock among the elite.
In order to save some face, she adamantly clung on to Liang and would forcefully make public appearances with him.
Liang truly disliked her appearing with him. In private he could push her away but, in full public view, he could never bring himself to mistreat a lady.
This time around as well, an auction followed by a banquet was scheduled for a week later in city Z and Jiaying insisted on attending it with Liang.
"No! You are not coming with me. How shameless can you be? Even after repeatedly rejecting you, you still don't let go." Liang yelled at her.
"I am not going to leave you in this lifetime. Your stupid love for that bitch....." she paused when Liang almost lost his cool and charged in to slap her but, he stopped just short, as he did not want to stoop so low.
Seeing that he did not hit her, she boldly continued "it has ruined my reputation in our circle. I will not let you live peacefully while I suffer"
Jiaying moved closer to him and held on to his raised hand, while running her other hand on his cheek in a mocking manner, as if challenging him. She smirked before calmly leaving his office.