Chapter 1
I gave up my life as a socialite heiress and chose to build a life from nothing with a poor student I fell in love with at first sight.
After ten years of tough times together, all I got in return was catching him tangled up naked with his secretary in a shameless scene.
I hysterically demanded answers, but he wrapped his hand around my throat.
"Amanda, I've seen plenty of rich girls like you. Is being with me what makes you feel so superior?" he sneered.
My anger consumed me, and I died right then and there.
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back in college.
This time, I took the initiative to apply for studying overseas and agreed to the marriage my family arranged.
The boy who always acted indifferent toward me suddenly cornered me, his voice so humble it was almost heartbreaking.
"I can give you the life you deserve. Please, don't go through with the marriage," he pleaded.
*****
"Hey, these are some awesome shots of Jason from yesterday's game. Same deal as always. 100 bucks each, or 1,500 for the whole set," Bella said, tossing a stack of photos onto my desk.
I barely glanced at them.
"Just throw them away," I said flatly.
Bella froze, sounding a bit panicked. "What gives? We had a deal. You're not seriously backing out, are you?"
I smirked and sent her 2,000 bucks.
"500 bucks as a tip. Go ahead and dump them all in the trash," I told her.
She immediately did as told.
The room filled with whispers.
"Wait, what? The legendary fangirl tossed her dream guy's photos in the trash?"
"And she hasn't even gone over to the other building to stalk Jason lately. Is she playing hard to get now?"
"Or maybe she's salty because Jason's been getting close to that childhood sweetheart of his?"
I was getting fed up with all the gossip, so I got up and left.
As soon as I stepped out of the classroom, Bella rushed over and grabbed my wrist.
"Amanda, I've got a few clips of Jason playing basketball. Want to pick some? Price is negotiable," she said.
I rubbed my temples, feeling the headache coming on.
"How much?" I asked.
After she told me the price, I said flatly, "Delete all the videos, and don't take any more videos from now on.
She looked puzzled.
"Is this your new strategy? Retreat to advance?" she asked.
She cut herself off, and that was when I noticed Jason was right behind me.
Before I could say a word, someone bumped hard into my shoulder. Bella caught me in time, keeping me from falling.
Sophie Lane grabbed Jason's arm, her voice all sweet and whiny.
"Jason, when did you leave the court? I was running all over trying to find you," she whined.
The gossip in the classroom died down instantly, and everyone's eyes were on us.
"Just now," Jason replied coolly, but his gaze never left me.
As if noticing me, Sophie glanced at the camera in Bella's hand, covered her mouth in mock surprise, and said,
"Amanda, how could you hire someone to take pictures of Jason? The flash on the court can totally mess with his game!"
Everyone sucked in a sharp breath.
Figures. I totally expected that.
Last time, Sophie tried to pick a fight with me, I recorded her and blasted it over the school speakers for three days straight.
Jason finally stormed over and tore into me, and that was the end of it.
Here we go again.
Jason's expression was dark, but he made sure to keep Sophie behind him, shielding her.
"Stop with these childish games," he said.
This was the first time I'd seen Jason since I traveled back.
He was still as calm and aloof as ever, carrying that untouchable vibe, as if nothing in the world could shake him.
The day he finally said yes to me, I was so excited I couldn't sleep a wink.
I wanted to shout it from the rooftops that I'd finally landed the untouchable guy everyone was after.
The scene of him and Sophie together in bed haunted me, growing more vivid with every passing moment.
I forced a smile, my eyes landing on Sophie.
Suddenly, I felt pathetic.
Jason caught my gaze and gave a slight frown.
"Don't do anything to hurt Sophie again," he warned.
To him, I was nothing but a ruthless, proud girl willing to do anything to chase after him.
And Sophie? She was always the supposed victim of my alleged manipulations.
I scoffed, locking eyes with Jason.
"If you're having delusions of persecution, maybe you should get yourself checked out," I said. "And from now on, stay out of my sight."
Jason paused, his brows furrowing in confusion.
"What trick are you playing now?" he asked.
Before I could say anything, Sophie cut in, pretending to be surprised. "Amanda, Jason's already worn out from studying every day. Can't you stop with all these little tricks to get his attention?"
Jason's frown relaxed, and his confusion showed in his eyes as he looked at me.
"Amanda, I've told you I'm busy. I don't have time to mess around with you heiresses," he said.
The same thing happened in my last life.
Jason always believed we were from different worlds.
I was the one who crossed paths with him, choosing to build a life from nothing by his side.
But in this life, I wanted nothing to do with him.
I cut him off. "I only did all that nonsense because I liked you."
I turned to the crowd gawking at the scene, enunciating every word.
"But I don't like you anymore, and I won't be chasing after you ever again.
"Oh, and by the way, hope you and your beloved have a long, happy life together."
With that, I walked right past him without looking back.
As I passed Sophie, I gave her shoulder a hard bump, paying her back for earlier.
I heard Sophie yelp in pain behind me.
"What's up with Amanda today?" someone whispered.