Chapter 1

Title: What’s It Like to Have a Jerk for a Boyfriend?

In chick lit, there's a cliche called "replacement love." It's when the male lead, missing someone he loves, finds a girl who looks just like her. Unbelievably, I ended up as the unlucky woman studying abroad, only to be cheated on.

My first boyfriend couldn't dodge the cheesy plot; he started dating someone who looks a lot like me. When I came back to town, he brought his new girlfriend to my welcome home party. Friends from our circle were all waiting to see me flustered.

They were in for a surprise though, as I brought my new boyfriend back as well.

The day Kai Dawson broke up with me, he sent a text:

"Sorry, Sue. I broke my promise. I don't want to wait anymore."

At that time, I still had a year left in school. We had survived three years long-distance, but our relationship fell apart in the last year. He had shown signs of losing interest, so I wasn't too surprised. Swallowing my sadness, I replied:

"It's okay, let's just be friends."

"Alright."

But later, I found out he had blocked me. A good ex is like being dead.

I didn't blame him and just blocked him back.

Before returning from Italy, some old friends insisted on throwing me a welcome back party. They didn't tell me that Kai and his new girlfriend would be there. Luckily, my best friend couldn't stand it and tipped me off.

"Sue, don't go! They just want to humiliate you! Kai's new girl is afraid he might still have feelings for you, so she demanded this party to show off."

I shrugged off her concern, "Aside from them, there are other people I haven't seen in a while. I'll just give them face and show up."

"It's all Kai's buddies. I wish I could be there to support you. Don't let them get to you!"

"Thanks for the heads-up. If someone's set the stage for me, I can't let them down. Don't worry, I've got a plan."

The day I returned, I went to the party as planned. The waiter opened the private room door, and the first person I saw was Kai, sitting at the head of the table. A year hadn't changed his good looks and confident demeanor.

Next to him sat a stunning woman, his new girlfriend Evelyn, a recent hire at Kai’s company. She bore an uncanny resemblance to me. My heart tightened at the sight. I remembered two years ago when Kai sent me a picture of Evelyn.

"A new recruit came in for an interview today. She startled me; I thought you had snuck back to surprise me."

Back then, Evelyn looked even more like me—same hairstyle, makeup, and fashion sense. I laughed it off, joking, "Maybe we're related. I need to ask my dad."

Kai said, "No, she’s not. She's from out of town, her parents are alive, and she has a twin brother who looks nothing like her."

"You checked into her background?"

"Of course, we need to know about new hires."

Who would’ve thought that the girl I didn't think twice about would replace me so completely?

Back in the present, Kai’s friend Finn stood up.

"Welcome back, Sue. It’s great to have our star back..."

His voice trailed off as everyone looked at the man behind me. I greeted them calmly:

"It’s been a while. Thanks for remembering me."

Finn forced a laugh and asked, "Sue, who's this? Aren't you going to introduce him?"

Stepping aside, I proudly introduced, "This is Gareth Kirby, my boyfriend."

The word 'boyfriend' made everyone's eyes widen in surprise. Gareth flashed his dazzling smile, showing off two cute dimples:

"Good evening, everyone. I'm honored to be here with you tonight."

Gareth is incredibly handsome, and his smile had an explosive effect. The ladies were openly staring.

One girl with long black hair exclaimed, "Wow, Sue, your boyfriend is too gorgeous!"

The others quickly followed:

"He's unfairly handsome! Is Gareth a model or an actor?"

Before I could answer, Gareth chimed in sweetly, "Thank you for the compliment, but you’re all very beautiful too. Just call me Gareth."

Not only is he good-looking, but he's also charming.

The crowd that was waiting to mock me had their focus entirely captured by Gareth. Even Evelyn couldn't help but sneak glances at him. Kai's face darkened, and he said sternly:

"Let’s all sit down and chat. No need to stand around."