Chapter 2

2.

Before anyone could look at me with pity, I acted.

Caleb was on stage, giving a speech as the class representative. Like a warrior, I hitched up my graduation gown, stormed the stage, and kicked him right off the platform!

I grabbed the microphone and announced to the entire university: "Caleb Miller, you loser! Remember this: you didn't dump me. I fired you! I hope you and your little rich girl are very happy together. A trashy dog for a trashy bitch―perfect match!"

The crowd exploded. Under the shocked gazes of the dean and faculty, I walked out of that hall like a legend.

Men only slow down my progress.

Besides, my mom had been a single parent for years. She finally found a decent guy to marry, and I was worried about how to move out without being a burden. This was a godsend.

"Is this actually happening?" I muttered, lowering my head to hide my massive grin.

"What did you say?" Silas asked, looking confused. I immediately wiped the smile off my face and took the ring box with a look of solemn sacrifice.

"I'll do it! Let me carry this burden of wealth and solitude alone!"

So, here I am. I'm currently lying "miserably" on the sofa of my luxury apartment, which is registered in my name. I'm hugging a giant stuffed capybara and eating Thai takeout while binging a drama.

The show is so sad that I actually squeeze out a couple of tears for the dying leads.

Ding-dong.

The doorbell rang.

I grabbed a tissue and opened the door. Standing there was a six-foot-one, incredibly stylish, and dangerously handsome man.

I knew this face well. Thirty seconds ago, he was on my TV screen, jumping off a cliff with the female lead in his arms.

Jax Quinn, the nation's favorite heartthrob, was standing on my doorstep. He looked at me with deep longing and desperation.

"Riley, don't marry my brother. He can't give you the happiness you deserve!"