Chapter 3

3

Josh and I grew up in the same neighborhood.

Our dads were colleagues. They were inspecting a mineshaft together when there was an accident, and it collapsed.

To save my dad, his dad was buried alive.

He was only ten.

His mom couldn't handle the pressure and abandoned him.

He was left with only his grandma.

Out of guilt, I tried my best to be good to him.

Falling in love with him seemed natural.

But he fell for the beautiful transfer student, Sarah.

He thought I was annoying following him around, so he changed my college application to a school thousands of miles away.

Sarah needed experimental data, and he called me in the middle of the night to get it for her.

I followed him around like a puppy dog for fifteen years.

But now, fifteen years had passed.

My debt was paid, and it was time to let go.

Sarah grabbed my hand dramatically.

"Ashley, that's a huge diamond!"

Josh scoffed.

"Probably from Wish. Fake diamonds aren't worth much these days."

His friend, Mike, chimed in,

"Yeah, Ashley, don't be so vain. If you really want to get married, you're not good enough for Josh. I guess I could lower my standards..."

He grinned, revealing his yellow teeth, and reached for my hand.

I slapped it away.

"Get lost!"

Mike's face crumpled, and he spat on the ground.

"Tch! Thinks she's all that. Ungrateful bitch. Like I'd actually want you!"

Josh was furious.

"Ashley, have I been too nice to you? How dare you talk to my friend like that!"

I looked at his red face, my heart turning cold.

No matter how much I did for him, I was nothing compared to Sarah.

Even his friends could insult me at will.

Sarah blushed, tugging at Josh's sleeve.

"Josh, honey, don't be so mean. She's just trying to help."

She walked towards me, her expression innocent.

"Ashley, thank you so much. Renting that dress must have cost a fortune! It's even designer. You really went all out!"

Josh put his arm around her protectively.

"You're too kind, Sarah. I bet she rented it."

He smirked at me.

"This is the most expensive hotel in the city. I only rented it for an hour. Someone like her could never afford a venue like this."

Sarah pouted and snuggled into him, looking pure and innocent.

"Josh, honey, how can you say that about Ashley? She's so devoted to you!"