Chapter 2

Summer POV

Outside the door, my whole body felt like it had fallen into an ice cave, my blood seeming to freeze.

Every word they said was like an arrow piercing straight through my heart.

I stared blankly at the cold, aloof Ethan with his indifferent expression, unable to connect him with the person who had once pursued me so passionately.

I came to NYU carrying my grandmother's hopes and all our savings, and I still owed tens of thousands of dollars in student loans.

So I didn't dare slack off in my studies, determined to get a scholarship every year. I didn't dare socialize to save money. I didn't dare date and waste money, all to lighten my grandmother's burden...

Until that day in the pouring rain when I accidentally fell. My pants were torn by a sharp stone, leaving a huge hole. I couldn't stand up, but I couldn't stay on the ground either.

When I was at a loss, Ethan held an umbrella over me and lent me his jacket to tie around my waist.

The next day, I washed the jacket clean and returned it to Ethan, only then learning he was the most popular boy in school.

After that, Ethan began pursuing me relentlessly.

Flowers and gifts never stopped coming, but I refused them all. I rejected him many times, but couldn't resist his increasingly intense and direct pursuit.

He noticed when my shoes gave me blisters and brought me band-aids. He noticed which dishes I liked and specifically asked the cafeteria chef to save me a portion. When everyone avoided sitting next to me, he sat by my side without hesitation...

So when Ethan confessed again, I inexplicably agreed.

After we got together, Ethan treated me like a princess. Holiday flowers and gifts, romantic candlelit dinners became countless.

I told him I didn't need these things.

But Ethan told me that because he loved me, he was willing to spend money on me, wanting to give me the best.

I never imagined that all of this would become weapons he used to hurt me deeply, all for another girl!

I had only ever wanted his love, not his money!

I wanted to rush in and confront Ethan, but my throat felt blocked. I couldn't make a sound.

He was right. I was just a commoner girl. How could I possibly get revenge on him?!

I ran off in a daze, tears mixing with rain as they hit the ground. I ran aimlessly into the library.

In the glass reflection, I saw my own wretched appearance.

I smiled bitterly and opened the library computer, logging into my email.

The first email was an acceptance letter from an Ivy League school.

This full scholarship spot was specially created by the school after learning I'd received an Ivy League acceptance, hoping to keep me there to prepare for future research positions.

I replied to the email accepting the offer.

Then I took out my phone and texted my professor.

"Professor, I've decided to give up the full scholarship spot and study out of state."

Next, I called Ethan's mother and said simply.

"I don't care about your money, but I promise you I'll break up with Ethan."

Ethan's mother on the other end laughed coldly.

"Enough with the act. I've met too many poor people like you. You just think it's not enough money, right? Don't worry, I'll add another five hundred thousand. One million total. I'll mail you the check."

Before I could object, she hung up.

Just then, my professor also replied to my message.

"Alright, Summer. I respect your decision. I'll report your response to the school."

"By the way, when are you planning to leave?"

I typed out my reply word by word. "Next week."