Chapter 1The Backup Girlfriend

After spending a year as the "School Bully's" backup girlfriend, I still didn't make the cut.

He chose the good girl.

On the phone, he dragged out his words, casually insulting me:

"Sorry, Stella. Compared to Lily, you're just too... cheap."

Everyone bet I would throw a tantrum.

Or maybe get jealous and start a catfight with the good girl until we were both bleeding.

Instead, I just said, "Oh."

I hung up and continued booking my flight to study abroad.

Nobody knew I only approached Hunter to dodge a creepy stalker who wouldn't leave me alone.

Graduation was here. The acting was over.

Later, Hunter flew to a dozen countries, finally cornering me red-eyed at an airport.

"Stella, did you seriously play me like a fool from the very beginning?"

* * *

It was pouring rain on graduation day.

Hunter invited me to a party. I didn't go. So they started a livestream just for me.

On screen, the whole crew was there.

Hearing I wasn't coming, the mood dipped instantly:

"Wait, wasn't today the day he picks between her and Lily? I was waiting for the drama. What's up with Stella?"

"I bet she knew Hunter wouldn't pick her, so she's hiding somewhere crying."

"LOL, the simp finally realized she's not worthy. I told you she'd break."

For the past year, while I desperately chased Hunter, everyone treated me like a joke.

The camera zoomed in on Hunter's face.

He was expressionless, sitting next to Lily, the "good girl" everyone thought was his perfect match.

Hunter grabbed her chin:

"Since Stella forfeited, you're my girlfriend now. The only one allowed to kiss me."

The room erupted in cheers.

Lily turned bright red, burying her head and playfully hitting him. "Stop it~"

Hunter leaned in to kiss her, but someone shouted:

"Honestly, Stella isn't uglier than Lily. Hunter, why didn't you pick her?"

"Yeah, I remember you drove her home a few times and bought her Christmas gifts."

"Dude, look how cheap she acted. Obviously, she begged for it, right Hunter?"

Hunter paused.

Then he sneered:

"Obviously."

Lily, ears still red, pouted.

"Yeah, and Stella looks so desperate for love. Who knows how many guys she's been with? She's probably not clean."

The group burst into laughter.

"Guess I'll chase her in a few days then, see if I can get some action. She's kinda hot. You cool with that, Hunter?"

Hunter took a sip of his drink.

"Why would I care?"

His eyes drifted toward the camera lens.

After a beat, he picked up his phone and dialed.

"Hello, Stella."

The second I picked up, mocking laughter pierced my eardrum.

"You really gotta tell her yourself for maximum damage."

"Hey, put it on speaker! Let's hear how loud she cries."

"Hahaha record it!"

I didn't speak.

I just heard Hunter’s lazy drawl, dragging out every syllable.

"Stella, here's the thing."

"It's a shame, really. But you're just too cheap and easy. I like girls like Lily who behave."

"So..."

"Oh," I said.

I cut him off.

Before he could continue, I hung up.