Chapter 2

2.

Professor Miller sounded thrilled on the other end of the line.

"Sierra, you finally came to your senses！Don't worry about the costs. I'll apply for a grant from the department for you."

"I also know about your boyfriend's situation. I'll find a way to help with his medical bills, even if I have to start a fundraiser at school..."

"That's not necessary, Professor," I interrupted him softly.

"I can pay for the tuition myself. Please give the grant to someone who needs it more. As for the medical bills... they won't be needed anymore."

The professor didn't suspect anything. He just thought I had found the funds and was genuinely happy for me.

"That's great. Now you can focus on your studies. You have two weeks before you need to report. Use this time to handle your affairs here."

"Thank you, Professor."

I didn't explain further. After hanging up, I gripped my backpack tighter.

I didn't waste another second. I left the hospital and deposited all the cash into my account to pay for tuition and a flight.

In the end, only $400 was left of that $100,000.

I pressed my hand against my aching abdomen and looked at my balance with a bitter smile.

Strangely, I felt a bit relieved.

I was glad I heard the truth before I handed that money over to Jackson.

When I returned to the hospital room door, Jackson was the only one left inside.

I bit my lip and finally turned the handle.

Jackson had already dropped his arrogant act. He was back to being the "caring boyfriend."

"Sierra, why are you so late today？"

My fingers curled as I lowered my eyes. "Something came up at school."

Jackson didn't doubt me. He grabbed my hand, unable to hide the excitement in his eyes.

"I have some great news for you."

I paused before asking, "What's the news？"

"The doctor just told me it was a misdiagnosis. I don't have cancer. I'm perfectly healthy！"

Of course.

I closed my eyes. I remembered the glimpse I caught of his phone screen earlier. My heart was filled with cold irony.

A contact named "Chloe" had messaged a group chat.

"Jackson, tell that poor girl it was a misdiagnosis now. I want to see her face when she realizes her hard-earned money was wasted for nothing. It'll be priceless！"

Others in the group were cheering, calling it a brilliant move.

Some were even betting on whether I'd blow up at him.

The last message was Jackson's reply.

"As you wish, my lady."

For the past two years, Jackson had been so obedient to me. I thought I had found the perfect boyfriend.

I didn't realize his devotion was all based on Chloe's orders.

To them, I was just a toy.

I smiled faintly and said, "I'm just glad you're okay."

My calm reaction surprised him. He hesitated for a moment before speaking in a guilty tone.

"It's my fault for not getting a second opinion. Now all that money you saved up is gone for nothing."

I shook my head. "If it was for you, it was worth it."

I'd consider that money as payment to sever our two-year tie.

Spending $10,000 to live with the heir of the Sterling Group for two years... I guess a poor student like me came out ahead.

Those words hit Jackson like a sledgehammer to the heart.

As the Sterling heir, he had been surrounded by fakes and flatterers his whole life. He was immune to sweet talk.

But Sierra was different. She didn't know who he really was. Every word she said came from her heart.

She was willing to spend every penny she had saved over four years for him.

Even if that money was "wasted," she didn't have a single complaint.

Complex emotions swirled in Jackson's eyes. He suddenly pulled me into a hug.

"Sierra, thank you."

I looked down, hiding the mockery in my eyes.

When we got back to our small apartment on the outskirts of town, Jackson sighed as he lay on the cramped bed.

"There's no place like home."

I spoke softly. "You've worked hard."

Hard work indeed, for a prince who lived in a mansion and slept on a king-sized bed to squeeze onto this tiny mattress with me for two years.

Don't worry. Soon, we'll both be free.