Chapter 3

Back then, Russel and I actually had some good times together.

He was handsome, smart, and the guy everyone talked about at school.

Aside from having a bit of money, I was no different from those girls who watched him from afar, hoping he'd notice them.

But back then, Russel and Stella were the campus power couple. Everyone saw them as the perfect pair. Whenever they walked in together, they instantly became the center of attention.

I never dreamed of being with him. Just catching a glimpse of his smile was enough for me.

But then, Russel's family business tanked, and overnight, he went from being the rich kid to selling shoes to make ends meet.

Stella said she didn't mind any of it, but her folks weren't having it.

And so, the campus golden couple was torn apart by reality.

That night, the rain was coming down hard. Russel called me, crying his heart out, begging me to come over and keep him company.

I was out of town on a business trip, but I drove over 60 miles through the night to get back to him.

When I got there, he rushed into my arms and told me he wanted us to be together. But he needed my family to bail his out with some cash to get through the tough times.

I knew what we had wasn't just about love, but I couldn't help how I felt about him.

So, I gave him everything he wanted.

Day in and day out, I poured all my warmth and patience into him, and finally, he started to soften. It felt like maybe, just maybe, our lives were about to turn a corner.

But out of nowhere, Stella came rushing back from overseas. Her parents had died in a plane crash while they were traveling abroad.

With that, there was nothing left to keep them apart.

The moment they saw each other again, it was like a wildfire. Once it started, there was no stopping it. All my hopes went up in smoke.

I was planning to go home, pack my things, and move out. But as soon as I opened the door, my heart sank at the scene before me.

There they were on the couch, laughing and cuddling, watching TV together and passing snacks to each other like it was the most natural thing in the world.

If one didn't know any better, one'd think this was their place.

I was so furious I could barely breathe.

I shouted, "Russel, this is too much. Do whatever you want out there, but you can't bring her here. This is my bottom line."

Russel turned around lazily when he heard me, barely even caring.

He snapped, "Why are you being so petty? Stella's been away for so long. She doesn't know anyone here but me. Isn't it normal for her to stay at my place? Can you not be so nasty?"

Sometimes, when one was so speechless, all one could do was laugh. They were out there posting hotel pics on their socials, and he still said I was so nasty.

I let out a cold laugh. "Since you're back, let's make it clear. I bought this place, but I'm leaving it to you. It's too filthy for me.

"From now on, we're through for good. Go chase your so-called true love however you want."

With that, I turned to leave.

Russel's smile froze. He figured I was just upset and thought he could smooth things over with a few words.

But he'd never seen me this cold before. This time, he knew he might really lose me for good, and a sudden chill of panic washed over him.

After all these years together, Russel finally tried to sweet-talk me for once.

Russel said, "Alright. I messed up this time, okay? I'm sorry. Is that enough for you?"

I could hear the impatience in his voice, so I shook my head, not buying it.

All these years, I'd given him so many chances, he started thinking they'd never run out.

Seeing that I was really leaving, Russel suddenly lost it. "Who do you think you are? If you weren't rich as hell, do you think I'd have looked at you? If you walk out now, you'll never do better than me."

Even now, he still had that arrogant look on his face, not even a hint of regret.

I was done. There was no turning back for me.