Chapter 2

...

Colin froze, then scoffed, "Come on. You're 29 and still so childish? You think this trick will get my attention?"

His friends echoed him one after another.

"Know your distance."

"An ugly duckling can't beat a swan."

"Are you jealous, pulling this stunt to embarrass him?"

Joyce bowed her head, sounding pitiful. "I'll pay you. Does $20,000 work for you? Just don't hassle Colin anymore. He called you here for my sake. If you're mad, take it out on me."

Colin's heart melted at her words, and he glared at me. "Don't you dare bully Joyce in front of me!"

His hand clapped on my injured arm, and I cried out in pain.

He turned a deaf ear, his eyes fixed on Joyce.

She murmured, "Selena is hurt."

Colin glanced at me, sneering, "If she were really hurt, would she be standing here demanding payment?"

My heart sank at his harsh words. He always assumed the worst of me.

I lost my parents at 15.

Colin's mother, Lauren Porter, supported my education. She was kind and often gave me rides to her house for meals.

Colin was always in the car. He was a year older, raised to be polite and warm.

I owed them so much, and I couldn't help falling for him.

But then, I found out Colin's dad, Mark Porter, was cheating with their nanny.

I tossed and turned all night before telling Lauren the next day.

She divorced Mark without hesitation, going abroad and starting a company that thrived.

Colin chose to stay with Mark, and I felt guilty about ruining his family. So, when he mocked me, insulted me, or pranked me, I never fought back.

But I was human. I got tired.

Enduring the pain, I raised my hand to show a glittering ring on my finger. "Don't worry. I'm engaged. I came today to repay your kindness. Now we're even. Pay up for the cat rescue and my medical bills. Dragging it out looks bad."