Chapter 3Replacing My Ex With Her Rival

I was devastated. I couldn't find another job that quickly, and the absolute worst part? Rent for my cheap attic apartment and next month's food allowance were due.

In desperation, I went back to the BBQ joint and begged the boss for my money.

It was pouring rain outside, blurring my vision. All I could hear was the owner’s sneering laugh.

“Broke? Why don’t you hit up those rich friends of yours? The ones who were so brave! I’m telling you, the money you had coming is less than the cost of the broken chair. Want more? Dream on!”

My lips were trembling with cold. I opened my mouth to argue.

And then the rain stopped, and the insults faded.

Gemma stood over me, sheltering me with an umbrella. She slammed a thick wad of cash onto the owner’s counter. Her voice was icy.

“Is this enough to cover the damages?”

The owner quickly snatched the money. “Y-yes, ma’am. More than enough.”

“Then give him his pay.”

The owner counted out my measly wages and shoved them at me.

Gemma looked at me with an expression that was almost apologetic. “I’m sorry, Kai. I’m afraid I got you fired.”

I shook my head, my hands still shaking with the shock and cold.

Gemma shifted the umbrella, leaned in, and gently ruffled my wet hair.

That was the exact moment I fell in love.

After that day, I never worried about money again. Gemma found countless ways to funnel cash my way. She bought me clothes and gifts. She hired me as her "tutor" for a ridiculous fee. She asked me to be her "dinner partner" for a stipend that covered all my meals.

Our relationship blossomed in that intense proximity. Everyone called us the perfect couple, the golden children. She took care of me beautifully.

Then, during senior year, Braden transferred back.

He was her childhood best friend. He’d been whisked away when his parents divorced in middle school. But now, in his last year of high school, his mother had remarried and didn't want him, so he was sent back to his father.

When Gemma told me, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the guy, this stranger I’d never met.

Later, I learned the one thing she hadn't mentioned: Braden was deeply, possessively in love with her.