Chapter 3

Jackson thought I was just pitying him for his time in the hospital. He sat up and wrapped his arms around my waist, burying his face in my neck.

"Sierra, meeting you is the luckiest thing that ever happened to me."

I didn't wear perfume. I only smelled like fresh shampoo, but Jackson seemed to find it intoxicating. His breathing grew heavy, and his grip tightened.

My surgical wound from this morning was suddenly squeezed. My face went pale, and I gasped in pain.

Jackson immediately let go, looking at me with concern.

"What's wrong？Why do you look so pale？"

I forced a smile. "It's nothing. Just some period cramps."

Jackson placed his warm palm on my lower abdomen and pulled me into his chest.

"Let me warm you up."

I didn't push him away. I just closed my eyes.

But this little bit of warmth would never be enough to thaw my frozen heart.

Meeting Jackson was the greatest misfortune of my life.

The next morning, I got up early.

The rustling sound woke Jackson from his sleep. He opened his eyes to see me stuffing clothes from the closet into a suitcase.

He sat up instantly, a flash of panic hidden deep in his eyes.

"Why are you packing your clothes？Are you going somewhere？"

"I'm going to visit the director at the orphanage. I'm donating these old clothes to the kids."

I didn't look up as I continued folding.

After I left in two weeks, Jackson definitely wouldn't take these cheap clothes with him.

He was a wealthy heir. Everything in this apartment combined probably cost less than one of his shoes.

Instead of letting them go to waste, I'd rather give them to the children.

Jackson let out a small sigh of relief.

He knew I was grateful to the orphanage and that I went back every month with supplies.

"I'll go with you."

It was common for him to accompany me there.

But today, I didn't want him around.

This was my last visit before going abroad. I just wanted to say a proper goodbye.

Before I could say no, Jackson's phone rang loudly.

He glanced at the screen, immediately clutched the phone tight, and looked nervous.

"My boss needs me. I have to take this."

He scrambled out of bed and hurried into the tiny bathroom, slamming the door.

In a place this small, how good could the soundproofing be？

I heard the sweet, high-pitched voice on the other end clearly.

"Jackson, come out and go shopping with me. I'm in a bad mood, so you have to come."

Jackson agreed without a second thought.

When he came out, he wore his usual apologetic expression.

"Sierra, I'm so sorry. I've been out for so long because of the hospital. My boss wants me back today. I can't go with you."

I didn't call him out on his lie. I just nodded calmly.

"Okay. Go do what you need to do."

Jackson dressed hurriedly and left.

Watching him walk away, I remembered the countless times he had left in the middle of the night or during our rare dates. Every time, the excuse was his boss.

I used to feel so bad for him. I told him to find another job.

But he would just wrap his arms around me from behind and rest his chin on my head.

"I'm not afraid of hard work," he'd say. "I'm just afraid of not having enough money to marry you and give you a good life."

Those sweet words had moved me so much.

From then on, I worked even harder. I even did errands for people at school, trying to save every cent.

I thought since Jackson was working so hard for our future, I couldn't be a burden.

Looking back, I was such a fool.

I had promised the kids snacks during my last visit. After packing the clothes, I headed to the mall.

I didn't have much money left, but it was enough to bring smiles to their faces.

I bought two huge bags of snacks and was heading toward the subway.

As I passed a high-end makeup store, a familiar voice hit my ears.

"Just buy them all. Testing them one by one is such a hassle."

I looked over and saw Jackson. He had a helpless but indulgent smile on his face as he stared at the girl in front of him.

Even though he complained, he still obediently held out his arm so she could swatch lipsticks on his skin.

The girl looked polished and expensive from head to toe. It had to be Chloe Quinn.

It seemed that every time Jackson's "boss" called, he was actually out with this princess.

Chloe pouted, looking annoyed. "You're willing to spend every day with that low-life, but you won't even shop with me？"

Jackson rubbed her head affectionately. "How could that be？I'm only doing it to get revenge for you. Let's buy these, and then I'll take you clothes shopping. I'm all yours today."

He waved his hand, telling the clerk to pack the entire set of lipsticks.

The clerk obviously recognized them. She quickly swiped Jackson's black card.

"Mr. Sterling, your total is $15,000. We look forward to seeing you again."

Fifteen thousand.

That number made me almost lose my balance.

In two years of dating, the gifts I received were mostly cheap $2 bracelets or $1 keychains.

The most expensive thing he ever gave me was a silver bangle that cost about $20.

I had been too afraid to even wear it. I kept it tucked away safely in a box.

And yet, fifteen thousand was just a casual way for him to cheer up his childhood friend.

The real Jackson Sterling was a man who spent money like water.

I couldn't stand watching their little romantic scene anymore. I turned to leave.

But my bags were too heavy. One of them ripped, and snacks spilled all over the floor.