In a blink, it was the day the admission letters arrived.

Our class rep set up one last dinner before everyone left for college.

Philip walked in holding Winnie's hand. The room lit up with cheers.

"Nice! Got a girlfriend right after the SATs? So—you guys going to the same school?"

Winnie wasn't in our top class. Last time, she ended up at an average college in Greyford.

Philip ruffled her hair. "Winnie's grades aren't great, so I'm staying local for her."

Then he shot me a look.

The guys instantly got hyped.

"Damn, that's real love."

"Wasn't that elite school in Crestport your dream? You're really giving it up?"

"Yeah, nothing here even compares."

Winnie's eyes went red. "Philip, did I hold you back? Is this all because of me..."

Tears slid down her pale cheeks. Philip panicked.

"Hey, don't cry. You're what matters most. Being with you? That's more than I could ever ask for. I should be thanking Heaven. How could you hold me back?"

It sounded sincere. The whole room ate it up.

Winnie finally smiled through her tears.

Right then, Philip's friend Ronnie cut in. "Weren't you with Stella after the SATs? When did Winnie become your girlfriend?"

I was reaching for food when all eyes snapped to me.

After the SATs, most people were traveling. Not many knew about us.

Ronnie kept going, like my silence didn't matter. "Didn't you both apply to the same school in Crestport? It's been, what—a few days? You already broke up?"

"Oooh—"

A few guys whistled.

"Philip, man, you've got game."

Philip smirked. "I heard Stella had a thing for me, but we were never actually together."

Unbelievable.

Molly, who knew everything, snapped. "Can you not? Stella got into a school in Borevia City. She never applied to Crestport—and she never liked you."

Philip's face dropped. "Stella, is that true?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Sorry for the mix-up. I never applied to the same school as Philip, and I don't like him."

"Stella!" His jaw tightened. "You really think that's funny? Saying that in front of everyone?"

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 treatment.

But when I got him home, he broke down and asked for money.

I couldn't stand seeing him like that. I handed him my bank card.

Three years of prize money. Cash gifts from relatives for getting into college.

Almost twenty-five grand. Enough to cover a year of treatment.

He took it and pulled me into a hug, overwhelmed.

A few days later, he cried again—this time asking me to give up college.

"Stella, my mom's treatment costs money. We can't touch the savings. You'll have to work and pay my tuition. I swear I'll never betray you."

I was blinded. I hid it from my parents, tossed my acceptance letter, and worked three jobs to put him through school.

He got used to it.

So this time, when I said no, it threw him.

He stared at me, searching. "You came back too, didn't you?"

"Yes." I nodded, leaning in close. "Scared? You killed my child."

His hand snapped to my throat. His eyes went cold with hate.

"You bitch. So you came back too." His grip tightened. "Last time, you tore me and Winnie apart. If not for you, she wouldn't have died. You owe us. So this time, you're giving me the money."

I couldn't breathe. I swung and slapped him—hard.

"Let go!"

He loosened his grip. I shoved him back with a kick.

"If you and Winnie are so in love, have her pay for it. What—your girlfriend wouldn't say no, right?"

Philip froze, eyes flicking past me.

Winnie rushed over, throwing herself in front of him.

When she saw his swollen cheek, she broke. "Stella! That's too far! How could you hit him?"

"Perfect timing. Your future mother-in-law has cancer and no money for treatment—and your boyfriend's out here asking me for cash. Shameless."

Winnie stared at Philip, stunned.

His face went pale.

So he never told her about Margaret.

***

Later, I heard Winnie did exactly what I did last time—handed Philip all her savings and took a summer job at a boba shop for him.

Philip looked down on it.

He wanted to use what he knew from his past life to land a job at a big company.

But he'd just graduated high school. Too young. No real company hires summer kids or part-timers.

After hitting wall after wall, he ended up delivering food.

One day, Molly and I spotted Winnie behind the counter at a mall boba shop.

She stood there in uniform, a long line in front of her, exhaustion all over her face.

When she saw us, she dropped her gaze and avoided us.

Looking at her felt like looking at my past self—working three jobs for Philip.

I didn't want her making the same mistake.

I stepped closer, voice low. "Is it worth it? Doing all this for a guy? If he really loved you, would he let you suffer like this?"

Winnie stared at me, shocked. Her lips parted, but I turned and walked off.

That was all I was saying. What she did next wasn't my problem.

That night, I cut through a dark corner of my apartment complex garden. A figure stepped out, grabbed my shoulders, and slammed me against the wall.

"Stella! What did you say to Winnie?!"

I jumped in fright.

"Did you make fun of her? Ever since she saw you, she's been ignoring me!"

I rolled my eyes. "Or maybe she thinks you're a burden and doesn't want to work herself to death for you."

Philip snapped, worked up. "No way! Winnie and I are in love! I gave up Crestport for her. She'd never do that! It's just one job. Last time, you worked three—I never heard you complain."