Chapter 3
I followed my dad's advice and started applying for a leave of absence so I could study abroad.
Since the paperwork would take a while, I kept going to classes in the meantime.
Even after being reborn, Jason still lived in the attic, wearing tattered clothes.
With me out of the picture, he threw himself into his studies. In the first monthly exam, he took first place in the whole school.
When Jason received the scholarship worth about 3,300 dollars, he was over the moon.
He instinctively glanced my way, only to see me chatting with William Lane, who was sitting in the back row.
William's family had fallen on hard times. His mom was diagnosed with cancer, and his dad ran off after racking up a ton of debt.
I placed a debit card with about 67,000 dollars on his desk.
"My dad said this is a little something from him, " I said.
William kept his head down, his eyes rimmed with red.
"Lily, so this is what it feels like to get help from someone else? Honestly, it kind of stings, " he muttered.
I let out a gentle laugh. "Everyone runs into trouble sometimes. Having someone there to help you out, there's nothing shameful about that. "
He looked at me, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes.
"Really? " he asked.
"Yeah, self-respect is something you give yourself, not something someone else can hand you with a few words, " I replied.
He hesitated for a second, then tucked the card into his bag.
"Thanks. If I ever get the chance, I'll return the favor, " he said.
"Alright, I'll be looking forward to it, " I replied.
We exchanged a smile, and William looked a bit more relaxed.
During lunch break, as I was heading to the restroom, Jason suddenly grabbed me and pulled me into the woods.
His face was dark, and he towered over me, looking down with cold contempt.
"I heard that guy's family went bankrupt. You gave him money, are you into him or something? " he demanded.
"Lily, is this your thing? You always chase after guys like that? Watching desperate guys look to you for help, does that give you some weird thrill?
His voice trembled. "Since you can't have me, you go after other guys? Will you die if you're not dating someone? "
I looked at him. "This has nothing to do with you, Jason. You're crossing the line. "
Jason froze for a second.
I gently pushed him away, my voice still calm.
"I helped William because our families have known each other since we were kids. That's my dad's money, not mine, " I said.
Not every guy deserves my help.
And never bankroll a man who's bankrupt on the inside.
That was the brutal lesson I learned across two lifetimes.
Without even looking at Jason's pale face, I turned and walked away.
Jason shouted after me, his voice rough and strained.
"Lily, do you hate me? " Jason called out behind me, his voice rough and desperate.
His question hung in the air, but I never answered.
*****
Back in the classroom, I checked my phone and saw a message from my dad.
He said all the paperwork was done, and he'd already talked to the teachers. I could leave after school.
The teacher asked if I wanted to say goodbye to my classmates, but after thinking about it, I didn't think it was necessary.
After college, I barely kept in touch with any of them. And even if I did, they'd always side with Jason and blame me for being too assertive or controlling.
Honestly, I don't need friends like that.
So I packed up my things and got ready to leave as soon as the bell rang.
Just as I finished packing my books, Anna walked over.
Her nose was red, and she looked really upset, like she was about to burst into tears.
"Lily, what did you say to Jason? Why did he suddenly change seats? " she asked.
"How should I know? " I replied.
"I saw you two go into the woods at lunch. You must've bullied him, used money to humiliate him, and that's why he's avoiding me now, " Anna said, her voice trembling.
She was on the verge of tears. "Why do you always have to throw tantrums? I know your family's got money, but that doesn't mean you're better than anyone else. "
"Jason and I grew up in the same village. His mom used to say I should be his wife someday. Jason's such a good guy, and now you're bullying him. I really feel bad for him, " she added.
She was talking so loudly that everyone nearby could hear her.