Chapter 2

“I was just trying to be nice. I wanted to take Zoey along to see the world…”

The moment tears filled Natalie’s eyes, Sebastian’s eyes widened and his face twisted in fury.

“Zoey, drop the act, will you? You think you’re some saint? You’re only with me for the money anyway!”

The moment the words left his mouth, the whole class turned to stare at me. Their eyes were full of disbelief, disgust, and judgment.

“So she’s been dating Sebastian for his money? And here I thought she was all innocent!”

“It’s no wonder she’s always been jealous of Natalie. She’s just afraid someone might steal her sugar daddy!”

Listening to their whispers, Sebastian could not hide the satisfaction tugging at his lips.

“Well? Have you made up your mind? If you’re not coming, then give back every cent I’ve ever given you now!”

“You!”

My fingers trembled with anger, but under their scornful stares, all I could do was clench my teeth and nod.

“Fine! I’ll go!”

…

Sebastian was my sponsor, but our relationship was not what they thought.

In my previous life, I had only agreed to be his so-called girlfriend because I was desperate to pay my mother’s hospital bills.

However, the very next day after I said yes, he confessed to Natalie in front of the whole school, making it look like I was the pathetic third wheel clinging to him.

Later, I learned the truth. Sebastian had never liked me. He was only using me to incite Natalie’s jealousy.

I was nothing more than a pawn in their little love game.

Still, Natalie hated me for it.

She mocked me behind my back, snubbed me in public, and this Tanond trip was just another excuse to humiliate me again.

As I recalled it, I swallowed my rage and agreed to go, but this time, I did not call the police like I had in my previous life.

Instead, I quietly slipped away when it was almost time to board.

As long as I missed that flight, I could escape everything that would happen in Tanond.

I stared at the clock on my phone, counting down the minutes, praying that they would not notice I was gone.

However, just before the boarding gate closed, Natalie appeared out of nowhere and grabbed my arm.

“Found her!”

In an instant, the group swarmed around me, blocking every exit.

“Zoey, where do you think you’re going?” someone barked.

I kept my face calm.

“My passport’s missing. I can’t go. You guys go ahead without me.”

Before I could take a step, Sebastian reached into my pocket and pulled out my passport, waving them in front of my face.

“Missing, huh? Then what’s this?”

Realizing my lie had been exposed, I did not bother to fake it anymore.

“I don’t want to go to Tanond. You all can go watch your stupid strip shows without me.”

“Not going?”

Natalie shrieked. Her voice was sharp enough to make everyone flinch.

“We already bought the tickets! You think you can just back out?”

I frowned as I snatched my documents back from Sebastian.

“I’ll pay you back, but I’m not going to Tanond.”

“Pay me back?”

Sebastian let out a cold laugh. His tone dripped with sarcasm.

“Do you have money? Don’t forget that it was my money that paid your mother’s hospital bills!”

That single sentence made the crowd turn on me instantly.

“Zoey, how can you be so shameless? He helped you and now you’re backing out? You’ve got no shame at all!”

“Yeah! You could’ve said so sooner! Changing your mind at the last minute. What? Was this all some kind of joke to you?”

“A joke?”