Chapter 1The Charm

Sophomore year, I sent my boyfriend a box of gifts. He was happily video chatting with me when his roommate suddenly interrupted:

"Why are you showing off that cheap junk?"

My boyfriend turned to him, teasing, "You treat that raggedy charm like a treasure too. Won't even let anyone touch it."

The next second, my ex-boyfriend's face appeared on the screen.

I immediately remembered my senior year of high school. I was framed for stealing exam papers and lost my guaranteed admission spot.

The bad boy who once promised to be my shield looked at me impatiently and said:

"What is she, and what are you? Do you really have to provoke her?"

* * *

I froze for a second before recognizing the face on the screen. It was Caleb.

I hadn't seen him in a few years. He was even more handsome now.

No longer pretending to be a poor kid in front of me, he was back to being the wealthy young master, just less flashy and raw than before.

The moment he glanced at me, the cigarette in his hand trembled.

Ash fell onto his hand. He looked away quickly and scoffed:

"That's it?"

Liam's face went cold instantly.

"If you can't say anything nice, get lost. My girlfriend is the best in the world."

"The best? Who knows if she's just after your money."

Caleb leaned back against the headboard, his eyes unreadable.

Liam turned back to me, grinning brightly.

"Babe, what else do you like? Anything money can buy is no problem. You know I'm so rich it hurts."

"Please, let me spend some money on you."

He acted cute towards the camera.

I looked down at the floor.

Caleb suddenly sneered.

"Isn't this what you've been waiting for? Hurry up and ask for it."

Liam only had a good temper with me. He couldn't stand anyone badmouthing me.

He turned around and kicked the table.

"Did the Gu family go bankrupt? You're so sensitive about money!"

Finally, Liam frowned and roasted him again:

"Are you on your period? You've been shady to my girlfriend all day."

As soon as he finished, Caleb's face turned black. His chest heaved, but he couldn't say a word.

He stormed out, slamming the door.

Liam acted like he didn't hear a thing, continuing to lie on the desk talking to me.

"Babe, I'm sorry. I don't know what his problem is. Don't be unhappy. I'll take you to see some houses."

"My family's new development is finished. Want to go see? I reserved the best units for you."

He rambled on, carefully watching my expression.

If anyone else saw the pampered prince of the Shen family talking to a woman like this, their jaws would drop.

I looked up and gave him a reassuring smile.

"It's okay."

"Let's talk about the houses later. Class is starting soon."

"Okay, wait for me. I'll come pick you up right away."

Honestly, I was prepared to run into Caleb when I came here.

But I didn't expect him to be roommates with Liam.

When I was fighting tooth and nail to climb up, I always thought about showing Caleb that leaving him only made my life better.

But now that I saw him, I didn't feel anything.