Chapter 1

My boyfriend was supposed to meet my parents today, but dinner time had passed, and he was nowhere to be seen.

I sent three Snapchats and made two FaceTime calls. No response.

In the private room of the restaurant, my parents asked me about him several times. I couldn't even make up a decent lie anymore.

Finally, my phone buzzed. His voice came through, filled with half-hearted apology:

"Lily had an emergency, and I’m sorting it out. Go ahead and eat without me. Don't wait."

I frowned. "Lily? That junior from your college?"

"Yeah, she got scammed and desperately needs cash. I lent her that money we saved—all $15,000 of it. It’s tough for her being alone in this city, I had to help her get settled."

I held my phone, my fingertips turning icy cold.

"So, you stood my parents up to deliver money to your college junior? And you used my money to do it?"

"It’s an emergency, Chloe. Just explain it to your parents for me..."

I cut him off:

"No need. Go enjoy settling her in. We don't need to see each other ever again."