Chapter 1

I got a perfect SAT score. I could have gone to an Ivy League school, but in the end, I chose community college just to be with my boyfriend, Dale Jenkins.

Everyone thought I was head over heels for him.

However, on the very first day of school, he broke up with me in front of everyone.

He said, "Thanks for playing along in this little show. Now I'm done."

His rich friends erupted into laughter, waiting to see me cry and beg him to stay.

I looked down at the 6 million dollars that had hit my account and my acceptance letter from Galris University, trying to keep a straight face.

Then I gave them the show they wanted, squeezing out a few tears.

I asked, "Dale, are you really breaking up with me?"

The funny thing? The person who had hired me to play his girlfriend was the very girl he was about to marry, Naomi Foster.

*****

The auditorium was crowded with freshmen, voices overlapping as everyone tried to find their groups.

As soon as the advisor finished speaking, my boyfriend, Dale, grabbed the mic.

Under the spotlight, he had that same smug grin on his face.

He said, "Excuse me, everyone, can I have your attention for a moment? I want to introduce the person right here beside me, Winona Lawrence."

Suddenly, every eye in the room was on me. I stood there, feeling out of place, my palms starting to sweat.

Dale slung his arm around my shoulders, his voice booming through the speakers. "Winona nailed the SAT, but she gave up Ivy League schools for me and came here."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Envy, jealousy, and the thrill of watching drama all tangled together, trapping me.

Dale's friends were down there, whistling and hyping it up.

"Winona, you rock!"

"Dale, you're so lucky to have her."

Dale looked satisfied with the crowd's reaction. He leaned in and whispered so only I could hear, "Feeling touched? I set up this whole show for you."

I nodded and smiled shyly like I was really happy.

His smirk deepened, then he let go, stepped back, and put some space between us.

The tenderness on his face disappeared in a heartbeat, replaced by a smug look I'd never seen before.

He said, "Winona, thanks for sticking with me these past three months. You gave me a taste of pure love before my engagement. I'm done. It's time to break up."

The whole auditorium went silent. Everyone was left stunned by the sudden plot twist.

Dale's friends burst out laughing.

"I told you. Dale would never go for a nobody like her."

"Nice acting. So what if she's a smart student? Dale has been playing her this whole time, and she doesn't see it."

I stood there, the spotlight making my eyes sting. I could see the contempt and arrogance in Dale's gaze.

He was waiting for me to break down, to go hysterical, and to beg him not to leave.

After all, I'd given up a bright future for him.

I lowered my head, and my shoulders started to tremble.

Perfect timing. The performance was right where it needed to be.

I looked up, tears brimming in my eyes. I said in a trembling voice, "Dale, you said you'd love me forever."

According to the contract, after the breakup, I no longer had to call him "babe".

Dale didn't notice. He looked down at me like I was some fragile thing about to break.

"Forever? Winona, did you really believe that? Someone like you could never be part of my life. Remember, we're not the same kind of people," he said.

He said that and turned around to leave.

I glanced at my phone and saw the bank notification that popped up a second ago. [Your account ending in 8888 has received a deposit of 6 million dollars.]

I forced down the smile threatening to break through my face.

Not yet. I had to finish the final act.

I rushed forward and clung to him from behind. "No. You can't leave."

Dale stiffened, trying to pry my hands off with disgust. "Let go of me. Don't push your luck."

I cried louder, screaming at the top of my lungs, "You still haven't finished Ms. Foster's task."

Dale stopped in his tracks. "What did you say?"

He turned back, and for the first time, his expression shifted. There was shock and doubt in his eyes.

I instantly let go, covering my mouth in panic like I'd said something I shouldn't. "I-I didn't mean anything."

His wealthy friends gathered around, looking baffled.

"Dale, what's going on? What Ms. Foster?"

"What nonsense is she saying?"

Dale locked his gaze on me, searching my face for any sign I'd slipped up.

The other students were all ears. Everyone smelled drama.

I couldn't say it directly; the contract wouldn't allow it. I could only leave a little hook in his mind.

I sniffled, tears shimmering in my eyes. "Nothing. Do you want to break up? Fine, I agree. Hope you and your fiancée have a long and happy life together."

After saying that, I wiped my tears, held my head high, and walked off the stage while everyone stared at me in shock.

I didn't cry or beg. I only offered a calm farewell.

This clearly went beyond Dale's expectations.

I could feel his intense gaze locked onto my back the whole time.

Back in the crowd, my roommate pulled at my sleeve, her voice soft. "Winona, are you okay?"

I shook my head, giving her a wry smile. "I'm fine. Let's head back."

The party wasn't over yet, but I slipped out early.

*****

Once I was out of the dorm, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

I slumped against the wall, laughing so hard that tears rolled down my cheeks.

6 million dollars and a Galris University offer. Three months of pretending for a limitless future. It was totally worth it.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Naomi, my employer.

Naomi: [Babe, you deserve an Oscar. And that last line? Absolute genius. I can imagine Dale's face right now.]

I replied with a "thanks" meme.

Naomi: [Feeling good? The 6 million dollars is all yours now.]

Me: [Of course. Feels so good to be free.]

Naomi: [Enjoy it. The contract never said you had to stay at that crappy school after the breakup.]

I smiled.

Yeah, time to leave this "miserable place" behind.