Semua Bab He Fumbled a Lifetime: Bab 1 - Bab 10

The second I realized I was back, I opened my laptop and changed my application.Last time, after the SATs, I made it official with Philip and applied to the same school in Crestport.This time, I picked the school I actually wanted—in Borevia City, the capital.After I hit submit, I checked my phone. Philip had posted five minutes ago.[Maybe Heaven gave me another shot to see you. This time, I won't let go.]The photo showed him and Winnie, leaning together, fingers laced.I stared at it and let out a quiet, bitter laugh.So he came back too.And the first thing he did? Confess to his childhood friend.Fine. This time, he can have whatever he wants.I'd just shut my laptop when my phone rang.Philip."Stella, my mom's sick. I need money. Now. Lend me some."I froze. "Why should I?"He sounded so sure of himself. "Relax. I'll write you an IOU. I'll pay you back after I graduate.""No money."Silence—then he laughed."Stella Spencer, you're my girlfriend, and you're th

He stepped in and grabbed my wrist—hard, like he wanted to crush it."Come with me.""What are you doing?!" I struggled, but couldn't break free. "Everyone's watching—including your girlfriend. Say it here. No need for drama.""Yeah, Philip, what's going on with you and Stella?"Winnie looked at him, eyes full of hurt.Philip glanced at her, hesitated—but didn't let go."Winnie, don't get the wrong idea. Stella and I just have something to sort out."Philip dragged me outside."Stella, I know you can't handle me being with Winnie. You said you applied to a school in Borevia City just to get back at me. But being petty won't fix anything. My mom needs money now. If you care about me, lend it."I didn't think he could be this shameless."We're classmates. What does your mom being sick have to do with me? Ask your relatives. Or your girlfriend. Why me? I don't have money."Last time, at this exact dinner, Philip got drunk and said he'd drop out to pay for his mom Margaret's tre

So he knew.He knew in my last life, I loved him to the point of breaking—worked three jobs, handed over every dollar.I never complained. Not once.Not when coworkers bullied me.Not when my supervisor made my life hell.Not when customers grabbed me or ran their mouths.I never told him.I always felt bad for him.School. His mom's illness. Working to cover her bills—I thought he had it rough.I never realized... that was his responsibility. Not mine.I worked twelve-hour days. He never once felt bad for me.And in the end, I still got the worst ending.Philip dug his fingers into my shoulder. Pain shot through me, tears stinging my eyes.He froze, then let go, face twisting with disgust. "Stella, even if you try to split me and Winnie up—even if you cry because I don't love you—I'll only love her this time. Since you won't lend me money, drop the jealousy and stay away. Otherwise, don't blame me for getting nasty."I almost laughed. "Fine. Then stay away from me too. S

After his mom died, Philip snapped."Winnie Schell! You bitch! You're nothing but trouble!"He cornered her on the street, eyes bloodshot, veins popping. "It's all your fault! If it weren't for you, my mom wouldn't have died. She could've lived for years—seen me graduate, get a job, get married, have kids. You killed her!"Winnie shook, voice breaking. "You were the one who knocked out your mom's oxygen tube—""Bullshit! You killed her! You just had to buy that phone. You pushed me. That's why I hit the tube. You killed her!"Yeah, because blaming someone else is way easier than admitting he screwed up.Winnie snapped, tears pouring. "Philip Jewitt! I'm just a regular high school grad. I didn't even go to college. Why should I pay your mom's medical bills?"If you're broke, sell your house. Go find some sugar mommy to fund you. Why me?"Ever since we started dating, all you do is ask for money. You've never even bought me a boba. If you're this broke, don't date. I'm done!""Y

I took the train to Borevia City alone and started college.Without stressing over money or scrambling through part-time jobs, I finally got it—college could actually be fun.I joined student council, picked up a few clubs I liked, and still had time to hit the library with my roommates.Molly called a lot, spilling whatever gossip she picked up from back home."Stella, guess what? Philip sold that tiny house his mom left him. Took the cash and swore he'd start a business, be his own boss. Didn't even show up to college. Is he actually serious?"I just hummed. "Mm."I didn't buy that Philip could pull off a business this time.Sure, he had talent. People skills? Zero.Last life, he just coded. I handled everything else.Now he thought a second shot meant automatic success. Yeah, right. Pure wishful thinking.Whatever he did had nothing to do with me anymore.This time, I had my own plans. My own goals.A year slipped by just like that.***Sophomore year, one snowy night,