Chapter 1
I became Dylan Ashford’s fallback girl, and everyone was convinced I was totally obsessed.
Every time he’d start fights or ditch class, I was there cleaning up his mess–copying notes, making excuses, basically being his personal assistant.]
Spent three years as his ride–or–die, grinding my ass off to get him into Stanford. Then boom–two weeks before move–in day, he dumps me.[]
He stands there acting all superior. “I know you’ve been obsessed with me forever, but honestly? You’re such a bookworm. Compared to Sloane, you’re just… boring as hell. We’re done. I’m with her now.“[]
Everyone’s gloating, waiting for me to completely lose it.
But I glanced at my phone, seeing that fresh $50 million deposit hit my account, and had to bite back a grin.: “Sure thing. Congrats, you two.“]
What nobody knew? The only reason I’d put up with his bullshit for so long was because his mom paid me way too damn welli
Now that the money was in my account, it was obviously time to peace out![]
-0
“Hold up–golden boy just dumped her and all she said was congrats?!“[]
“She hung up in like thirty seconds, stone cold. Think she’s having a mental breakdown?“[]
“Nah, way too calm. Girl looked like she’d been waiting for this.“[]
Everyone glanced nervously at Dylan. He had his arm around his new girl, but his jaw’s clenched tight.
Someone quickly covers: “Come on, we all saw how hard Savannah obsessed with Dylan for years. No way she’s actually fine with this–probably just putting on a brave face!“]
“Mark my words–three days max and she’ll be crawling back, begging him not to leave her!“]
Dylan’s face relaxes a fraction. “When she comes crawling back, maybe I’ll think about it. Her call.“)
Meanwhile, I’m completely oblivious to their little drama fest–already halfway to the train station with my bags.station.
Even if I’d heard them, I would’ve just rolled my eyes.[]
See, if my parents hadn’t written me off as marriage material for dowry cash…
If my acceptance letter hadn’t been torn to pieces, if my alcoholic dad hadn’t nearly killed me, if Dylan’s mom hadn’t swooped in at rock bottom with her deal-
Get Dylan into Stanford, she pays my way plus fifty million.[]
I never would’ve spent three years trailing after the school’s bad boy, being his on call doormat.
Three. Long. Years
I pulled every string, used every trick to flip this arrogant slacker into honor roll material and get him into Stanford.]
Job done, check cleared, freedom calling–I was over the moon!]
Heartbroken over his new girlfriend? Please-
From minute one, I only wanted to claw my way out of hell and building something better.]
Love? Never entered the chat.
When school started, I was a no–show at my college.
My parents would never let me go–a daughter with a prestigious degree is worth way more on the marriage market.
Going nuclear was my only shot.]]
Spent all that summer, I crushed the TOEFL and got my French game tight.
Study abroad visa? Approved.]
I’m literally boarding my flight to Paris when Dylan starts spam–texting-
“Why’d you block me everywhere?”
“Savannah, you done with this tantrum yet? Me and Sloane doesn’t change anything between us. Stop being petty and unblock
me.”
Same condescending tone.
Like he’s positive I’ll fold and crawl back, just like I did for three years–no matter how much he stomped all over me.]
I yanked out my SIM card, snapped it clean in half, and tossed it in the airport trash.]
Along with every humiliating, calculating, soul–crushing memory attached to it.[]
The plane cut through the sky, leaving my entire past in the dust.
