Chapter 1

I turn down a dream research program at Hefford University just so I can stay and help my debt-ridden boyfriend run a burger stand. This time, he says he's serious.

I give him all the money I've saved up over the years, hoping we can build a better future together.

A few hours later, I discover he's forgotten two hundred dollars in the drawer.

I grab the money and run out, hoping to catch him.

What I catch is a scene straight out of a corny movie. The loan sharks who used to beat and threaten him are now bowing and nodding deferentially.

"Sir, I guess we don't need to show up at your house anymore, right?"

Kurt Saunders rubs his temples and replies, "Yup. Anna gave up her entire future for me. She even turned down an opportunity to study at Hefford just to help me pay off my debts."

Before he even finishes, his childhood friend lets out a giggle. "Kurt, that's still not enough. You'll only know if she really doesn't mind being poor if she sticks around through a year of flipping burgers without any complaints."

Kurt looks at her sly expression and lets out a helpless laugh. "Alright, we'll do it your way. One more year of pretending. Anna would never leave me anyway."

I stand there, listening to the sound of my own heart shatter.

Kurt, you think I'm giving up my future for you, but it's still mine, and I can take it back.

...

After sitting at home in a daze for half a day, I finally clicked the "Submit" button on the final step of the Hefford program application.

Just as my finger landed on the confirmation button, the door suddenly creaked open.

Kurt Saunders walked in, brushing the rain off his jacket and muttering, "Weren't you supposed to pick me up? Why didn't you come?"

The living room was instantly filled with a suffocating silence.

Kurt paused and looked at me in confusion.

In the past, even the slightest hint of dissatisfaction from him would have me desperately trying to appease him. But now, I didn't say a single word.

He stared at me for a while, then started walking toward me.

Before he could speak, I cut in, "Kurt, there are still some documents left to process for the burger stand license. Could you return the money to me first?"

His expression went blank, and I knew exactly why.

He had already thrown that money away, dismissively saying it was dirty.

But that money was what I had painstakingly saved up.

It carried my blood, sweat, and effort.

I kept praying. If he had even the tiniest bit of love left for me, he would tell me the truth.

But in the end, I was disappointed.

Under my expectant gaze, he looked defeated and said, "I'm sorry, Anna, I lost the money at the poker table."

The light in my eyes slowly died out.

At that moment, I almost wanted to thank him for being as cruel as always.

Because finally, I had the resolve to leave.

Upon seeing that I said nothing, Kurt didn't take it seriously.

He was convinced that I would never make a scene, let alone argue with him.

And it was true. Over the five years we had been together, I had lowered myself so much for him.

To pay off his debts, I kept working my grueling and filthy nursing job, besides taking on every side gig I could.

I'd done everything from washing dishes to collecting trash, driving ride-shares, and even hauling cargo for moving companies.

Back then, getting four hours of sleep felt like a luxury. One cup of instant coffee had to fuel me through the day.

Eventually, I scraped together enough to apply for the Hefford University program and got the acceptance letter.

And just one day before I was supposed to leave, he casually threw my future away.

He didn't think it mattered because he was so sure I couldn't live without him.

My thoughts came back to the present.

There was a glimmer of smugness in Kurt's eyes as he handed me a fish that was still flopping.

"Ella wants to eat some of your fish chowder. Make her a bowl, will you?"

I froze, staring at the foul-smelling residue on his hands.

Kurt had always hated seafood. Couldn't stand the smell, let alone touch it.

Back when I came home exhausted and just wanted some fish to nourish myself, he never bought me any.

I never blamed him for it. But now, he was willing to overcome his disgust for Ella Bloom's sake.

At that moment, I felt like a complete fool.

A wave of nausea surged in my throat, and I rushed into the bathroom.

The fish slipped from Kurt's hands and hit the floor, but he didn't even look at it. He followed me inside, patting my back anxiously. "Anna, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"

I swatted his hand away and said calmly, "I'm fine."

His hand froze mid-air. After being pushed away again and again, frustration finally flared in his eyes.

He stared at me for a few seconds.

When I didn't even spare him a glance, he let out a cold laugh, slammed the door, and stormed off.

That night, I didn't fall into the same spiral of anxiety and overthinking that I was used to. I didn't even bother calling him once.

I slept peacefully through the night.