All Chapters of The Nerd Who Played the Game: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

...Whispers rippled through the crowd."Dumped by the prom queen, and his only comeback is 'congrats'?""It ended in a minute. That's cold. Did he crack under the pressure?""Nah, he looks way too calm, like he's been counting down to this moment."The gossip trailed off as eyes darted toward Shannon Seay, who stood there clutching her new boyfriend's hand. Her face was dark with displeasure.Someone quickly backpedaled. "Hey, we've all seen how obsessed Troy is with Shannon. No way he's truly indifferent. He's probably bottling it up."Another echoed, "Yeah, I bet he'll come crawling back within three days, begging her not to leave."Shannon softened a little. "If he comes pleading, I might forgive him. It'll depend on his effort."I was oblivious to their chatter, focused instead on wrestling my suitcase toward the train station.If I'd overheard their snide remarks, I'd have just let out a wry, icy chuckle.My parents had always drilled into me that education was useless

"Being abroad sounds glamorous, but it's rough out there, right? Whatever gigs you picked up there might not fly here. Some are straight-up illegal. Buddy, need intros? My uncle's firm needs a guard. Low bar, just basic skills. The pay's not high, but it's legit. Better than your old..." Liam trailed off suggestively, implying unsavory escapades."Totally," Cindy chimed in, her tone as phony as her lashes. "We're old pals. If you're struggling, speak up. With your background—no college, no sharp clothes—you might bomb interviews. Want me to take you shopping? I can spot you cash. You were a whiz kid. It's a shame seeing you like this."Shannon stayed silent, her nails digging into her wine stem. Her intense gaze bore into me like lasers.Her boyfriend, Zach Fuller, leaned forward with condescending pity and open disdain."Ah, the legendary Troy. Tales of your devotion to Shannon precede you," he scoffed. "Slaving over her assignments, forging notes, and covering for her in class. M

...The air froze, smug grins turning to stone.Zach's victorious smirk curdled. "What? Who're you talking to?"The assistant, pale and flustered, dove to salvage the strewn papers. "I'm sorry, Mr. Stuart. I didn't know you were dining here. I'll tidy this immediately. Sorry for the disruption.""Mr. Stuart?" Cindy echoed dumbly, her eyes bulging."Who?" Zach pressed.The assistant, mid-scoop, glanced quizzically between Zach and me. "Mr. Aaron Stuart, Lumina's director and chief designer. That's him, seated right there."The revelation detonated like a flashbang. Expressions morphed from derision to deference in a heartbeat.Cindy's jaw hung open. The once-hostile crowd swarmed with forced enthusiasm."Oh my God! Troy, I mean, Mr. Stuart, you're running Lumina's creative helm?""You were a top student back then. I knew you'd soar!""Incredible! Leading a global brand! You're our pride!""That's called understated elegance. Designer chic at its finest!""Mr. Stuart, it's m

I didn't pause or look back.Shannon's words didn't even register....As expected, a "helpful" classmate leaked my return and success to my hyena-like parents.Days later, they showed up, their garish clothes clashing with the upscale building. Greed was written all over their faces."You punk, hit it big and forget your folks?""Ungrateful wolf! We raised you, but you hid abroad, not sending a penny home. Now you're some big designer, thinking you can ditch us? No chance!""Everybody, come and see this heartless jerk. Living large while his parents starve.""How much are you making a month now? Hand it over. That's our family money."My dad banged on the front desk like a total thug. My mom plopped on the floor, slapping her thighs and wailing dramatically.Her acting was lousy, but effective. Their stares hooked me like a gold mine.Security intervened, but my dad shoved them back.The scene was total chaos.Right then, Shannon showed up, holding a huge bouquet of roses

Shannon lifted her head, bleary-eyed from booze, staring at the young and handsome man."Breaks you?" she slurred. "Then tell me, Zach."She leaned in, reeking of alcohol. "Do you like me for money, too?"Zach froze at the question, a flash of panic in his eyes, but he covered it quickly. "How can you think of me like that? I adore you purely. It has nothing to do with money."He reached for her hand, eager to prove his sincerity, but she swatted it away."No?" She sneered. "Then explain this. Your company has lost that Lumina deal, and your cash flow is tanking. Why are you here now?"She paused, taking in his pallor and evasion. The answer was plain to see."Get lost!" She pointed at the door. "Now!"Zach blew up in shame. He grabbed his keys and stormed out of the bar.Shannon slumped on the couch, her head throbbing.In a haze, she flashed back to that blindingly sunny hallway in high school.The boy in a faded, patched-up uniform smiled cautiously, clutching a workbook.