Chapter 3

3

"Amy? Earth to Amy?" My classmate nudged me, pulling me back to the present. “Josh’s girlfriend, Melanie, is toasting you."

I looked up. So, her name was Melanie.

She raised her glass again. "So, thanks again for dumping Josh when he was poor. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be dating the CEO now." She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, and I heard you took $50,000 from his mother to break up with him? Nice hustle. Spend it all yet? If you need more, I'll have Josh give you some. Consider it a beggar's handout.”

The room went silent, everyone staring at me in disbelief. Whispers started: “Oh my god, she’s such a gold digger!” “No wonder Josh said she’s obsessed with money.” “She’s shameless!”

Josh stood up, putting his arm around Melanie, glaring at me. "Honey, don’t waste your time toasting a gold digger. She doesn’t deserve it."

I wasn't angry, just…tired. I'd carried the label of "gold digger" for seven years. I'd done my time for his mother. I pulled out my phone, opened the text thread with his mother's threats, and calmly placed it in front of him.