My billionaire boyfriend came from old money, but in our seven years together, he never gave me a single gift. After proposing, he asked for the engagement ring back to return it for a refund. When we got our marriage license, he complained that the $35 fee was "too expensive" and "unnecessary." Yet, the moment we broke up, he turned around and married his childhood sweetheart, booking the most luxurious hotel in the city for their engagement party. My grandma, unable to handle the shock of seeing the news, had a heart attack. I knelt before him, begging for the wages I had deposited with him over the years to pay for her surgery. He held his new fiancée, pretended not to know me, and told his bodyguards to throw me out, calling me a "lazy beggar." Grandma died on New Year's Eve, the sound of fireworks drowning out her last breath. During the holidays, while I handled her funeral alone, I accepted a job offer from a major tech company overseas. When I went back to pack my passport, he had just returned from meeting his fiancée's parents, in high spirits. Seeing me, he assumed I was throwing a tantrum and, for the first time, made a generous offer: "Fine, your grandma will be okay. Worst case, I'll pay for a lavish wedding to satisfy her vanity." He didn't know that from the moment my grandma took her last breath, I never wanted to marry him again. 1 As soon as I picked up my passport, a hand with distinct knuckles snatched it away. "What are you looking for so seriously? Didn't even notice I was back?" My boyfriend, Julian Sterling, had just come in from the cold, the tip of his nose red. Realizing it was my passport, the slight smile on his lips flattened, and he frowned. "Why do you need your passport? Are you threatening to leave the country again? I told you, Sarah's family is pressuring her. Getting the license with her is just to deal with them. We'll divorce quietly in a while." I didn't even look up. I snatched the passport back with a cold face. He rubbed his cold fingertips together. In the past, I would have asked if he was cold, prepared heat packs, and poured him hot water. But today, I was unusually cold. He reached out and cupped my face, forcing me to look at him, the chill radiating from his hands. "Lily, aren't you being a bit too jealous? Think about how many high society people were watching. If this gets to my dad, neither of us will have it easy!" I laughed self-deprecatingly. To him, I was just a shameful pastime. I pried his hands away, but he clung on. His cold fingers lifted my chin, examining the small scratch on my cheek with pity. "Those bodyguards must have a death wish, turning my Lily into a little scratched cat. I'll dock their pay later!" Here we go again. In the past, no matter how angry I was, I would always forgive him after he pestered me enough. Not this time. Seven days ago at the engagement party, under Julian's orders, the bodyguards threw me out of the hotel, pushing me to the ground. "A peasant wanting to be a princess? Mr. Sterling and Miss Sarah are a match made in heaven. I've seen plenty of gold diggers like you!" Passersby pointed and laughed, mocking me for being able-bodied but begging a man for money on my knees. My dignity was long gone. Snapping back to reality, Julian saw I was still unhappy and finally used his trump card. He brought in a box of health supplements from the door. "For your grandma. Don't lie about her needing surgery again to get my attention. It's boring." My grandma, who raised me, said she wanted to see me and Julian get married so she could give us her blessing. Instead, she saw Julian marrying another woman on TV and collapsed on the spot. The doctor told me that with just $10,000 for surgery, she had a chance. I begged everyone I knew on New Year's Eve. They either hung up or cursed me for being bad luck. Amidst the fireworks, grandma closed her eyes unwillingly, leaving me all alone... Thinking of her pale face, my heart felt like it was being carved by knives. Tears welled up instantly. I didn't take the box. I just said coldly: "Julian, let's..." Break up. Before I could finish, Julian interrupted: "Alright, alright. You and your grandma are celebrating the holidays, probably short on cash, right?" He tapped his phone and transferred me $200. "Consider this for grandma's supplements. No need for an IOU." It was laughable. Afraid I was a gold digger, he made me hand over my salary and approved my "allowance." Every time he transferred money, he made me write an IOU. Seven years together, and I owed Julian a fortune on paper. I used to think that since his family ran a company, he was just sensitive about money. I indulged him. But his frugality was reserved only for me. He could spend millions on a diamond necklace for Sarah, or buy her a villa without blinking, making headlines every time. Where the money goes, the love goes. I immediately transferred the $200 back. "No need. I don't want it." Julian finally looked at me seriously. As if realizing something, he sighed helplessly: "Too little? Fine, I promise to hold a wedding with you. Let your grandma satisfy her vanity. Your family really is all the same..." Vanity. The word stung, but I had heard it for seven years. I just wanted a normal relationship with gifts and dates, but he accused me of being vain, of coveting his family's money. "No need for a wedding. We aren't husband and wife." Julian's handsome face fell, revealing a familiar annoyance. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Julian glared at me and turned to open it. The next second, his voice pitched up in delight: "What are you doing here?" I turned to see Sarah standing at the door, wearing a down jacket matching Julian's. She playfully punched Julian's chest and laughed brightly: "My Prince, my besties are here and want to see what my husband looks like. accompany me for one more day, please?" Looking past Julian, she blinked her innocent big eyes at me provocatively: "Lily, you won't be mad, right? You weren't mad a few days ago. Julian and I are just bros, you know." As she spoke, she complained about the cold and interlaced her fingers with Julian's, revealing their matching wedding rings. Julian looked at her dotingly, naturally stuffing her hand into his pocket to warm it. "Why would she be mad? Don't worry, I'll definitely give you face!" With that, Julian grabbed his car keys and turned to leave. After two steps, as if remembering me, he let go of Sarah's hand, came back, cupped my face, and kissed the corner of my mouth. "Don't worry, this is the last time. From now on, I'll spend every day with you." But Julian, we don't have a "from now on." I wiped my mouth hard, watching them playfully walk away. Then I turned around and picked up the resignation letter prepared on the table. 2 It was the first week back after the holidays. Seeing me arrive late, my colleagues snickered knowingly. "Lily actually dared to come back? She's money-crazed. Causing a scene at Mr. Sterling's engagement, kneeling for money. Shameless!" "She usually acts so high and mighty because she's been with the boss for seven years. My dog has more dignity begging for food than she did begging for money. Deserved!" Ignoring the mockery, I walked straight into HR. The HR manager sneered: "I've already submitted the request. Once Mr. Sterling approves, you can pack up and leave. In your situation, don't expect any severance." I nodded, said nothing, and left the company. The sun was setting. The streets were filled with couples and families. I was alone. An immense loneliness washed over me. My only family, my career of many years, and my lover—all gone. I walked slowly down the path I had taken for seven years between home and work. Memories flooded back. When I was seven, my parents died in a car accident. Relatives took the compensation money, leaving me and grandma alone. Later, grandma saved Julian, who had fallen off a cliff while hiking. She treated him like a grandson. That's how I met Julian. I was a college student working multiple jobs. Julian volunteered to visit grandma for me, sending updates. When I was about to break, Julian held me, comforting me, promising to stay by my side forever. He really loved me then. He wanted to be with me every day. Even when I wore plain clothes, he would hold my hand and introduce me proudly: "My girlfriend. Pretty, right? She's the best girlfriend in the world!" But gradually, he started looking at me with suspicion, fearing I was after his family's wealth. He demanded I hand over my salary for him to manage. His control grew tighter. Even a request for $5 for bubble tea made him suspicious. Until three months ago, when Sarah returned from abroad. He happily bought her a priceless gem and spent millions on a billboard message: Welcome back, Sarah! That was the first night he didn't come home. When I found him with the police, he was drunk, grabbing Sarah's arm, eyes red: "When we were five, you said you were the princess and I was the prince, that you'd marry me. Why did you leave?" I went cold. When he sobered up, we fought. He claimed I was overthinking, that if Sarah hadn't left, he never would have met me. Only when Sarah posted about wanting to get married did Julian end the cold war, kneeling to propose to me. Laughably, I was ecstatic, thinking he chose me. I agreed with tears in my eyes. This absurd relationship was finally ending. I realized I had walked a long way. Noise came from nearby. "Brother-in-law! You can't back out of Truth or Dare! Sarah is waiting!" Outside a karaoke bar, Julian was surrounded by people, holding Sarah's hand tightly, shouting: "I, Julian Sterling, only love Sarah Miller!" He shouted it three times, louder and firmer each time, stopping traffic. The man who was usually so arrogant had red ears. Sarah held his arm naturally, smiling sweetly. The crowd cheered: "The mood is right, kiss already!" Julian froze. Sarah tried to smooth it over. "Don't be too much, your brother-in-law is shy—" Before she could finish, Julian cupped her face and kissed her deeply. It was brief. Julian didn't close his eyes. He looked at Sarah intensely, as if carving her into his heart, full of happiness and satisfaction. It seemed one kiss was enough. The next second, afraid Sarah would misunderstand, his ears burned as he stammered: "I... I lost my balance." Before Sarah could speak, he hurriedly said: "It's late. Time to go home, or my dad will use the family discipline." The most precious thing in the world is a prodigal's sincerity. Love is a hand wanting to touch but pulling back. I was only thirty feet away. The cold wind blew, grinding my already broken heart into dust. Julian, head down, rushing, bumped right into me. He looked up. Seeing my face, his pupils shrank. 3 "Sorry... I..." I interrupted him. "It's okay." I turned and walked away, opening a ride-hailing app. Behind me, confused whispers: "She looks familiar. Julian, isn't that the gold digger who knelt for money at your engagement?" "She didn't steal your wallet just now, did she? Check your pockets!" To these slanders, Julian remained silent. Back home, I paid for the ride. A notification popped up on my phone: Your flight from Seattle to Houston has been confirmed. Departure tomorrow at 3 PM. I sent the screenshot to the HR of the overseas tech giant. Before I could speak, she replied excitedly: Lily, I can't wait! We welcome you tomorrow! My expression softened. No love, but I could pursue my career. I picked up my packed luggage, unwilling to stay another second. But I ran into Julian. He frowned, slamming the door shut. "Lily, where are you going?" Sarah, behind him, feigned concern: "Lily, don't misunderstand. Julian and I are just buddies. He was helping me out. Don't run away from home just because of me..." I didn't want to listen. "Julian, let's break up." Julian was about to scold me for being jealous but froze. Eyes wide, he lost his voice: "Break up? Just because I played along with Sarah? Lily, do you still want the wedding or not?" In his mind, he probably thought I was still crazy about him, using the wedding as a threat. In the past, I would have humbled myself, begging him to stay. Now, I laughed mockingly. "Julian, we have no ties. What wedding?" "No ties?" Julian's face frosted over. "That's not what you said a month ago when you accepted my proposal. You said your dream was to marry me. The ring..." He frowned, rummaging through drawers, trying to find the ring to prove me wrong. I said calmly: "Don't bother. You took the ring back, returned it for a thousand bucks, and bought Sarah a hair tie." It was ironic. Seven years, and I got nothing from him. The gifts I scrimped and saved to buy him, he thought were cheap and sold second-hand. The only diamond ring he gave me, he took back after the proposal, saying it was wasteful and better to save for the wedding. Julian's eyelashes trembled. He scanned the room, stubbornly saying: "No ring, but there's what you bought me... what I bought you..." He stopped, face darkening. He realized he couldn't find a single thing in this house that proved we were a couple. Sarah gloated, stirring the pot: "Okay Lily, stop it. You live off Julian, you should be generous and share his burden. He's taking over the company, don't cause trouble!" Julian gained confidence, crossing his arms with a sneer. "Sarah is right. Lily, stop being so shortsighted. Once I inherit the company, I'll buy you anything. Put the luggage down, or I'll cut off your allowance!" I let go of the suitcase and pulled out a box of IOUs. "Julian. In seven years, you gave me $200 a month for living expenses. For other costs, you made me write 500 IOUs, totaling $20,000. Grandma's surgeries and treatments totaled $300,000." "I deposited my salary with you. Seven years of wages, at least a million. Now, please return the remaining $680,000." Julian flipped the box in anger. IOUs fluttered like snow. "Lily! We've been together seven years, and I'm worth less than a few hundred thousand to you? How are you so shallow!" His disgust made my voice hoarse. "Julian, that money is my hard-earned labor." He exploded, kicking the coffee table. "Money, money, money! Lily, is there anything in your heart besides money? Why can't you be like Sarah? She doesn't care about fame or profit. She never asked me for anything!" "My dad was right. Dating a poor person like you is a waste of time. We aren't in the same class." "Your labor? Are you kidding? Without me, you'd be starving. That's the salary I paid you!" I laughed at myself. Sarah didn't fight or grab because she had everything. She just had to stand there, do nothing, and Julian would offer her everything, including his heart, on a silver platter. Seeing my silence, Julian sneered viciously: "Fine, Lily. Take the money. I'll never keep it for you again!" The next second, he threw a bank card at my face. The edge sliced my cheek. I wiped it gently. My hand came away red. Julian panicked instantly, reaching for my face. "Lily, are you okay?" I laughed, blocking his hand. Looking at the panic in his eyes, I said bleakly: "Julian, aren't you tired of playing Prince and Cinderella?" "I don't want to play anymore." 4 I picked up the bank card, stood up, and grabbed my suitcase. Then I walked over the IOUs that were the last proof of my connection to Julian. Julian looked dazed. As my hand touched the doorknob, he woke up and blocked me. "Lily, don't be mad. Arguments are like this, I didn't mean it..." I turned the knob, walked out, and never looked back. At the hotel front desk, I tried to pay with the card. "Insufficient funds." I apologized and paid with the $20,000 signing bonus from the overseas company. In the room, I checked the bank statement. The money was long gone. Spent on couple's restaurants, couple's suites, luxury counters. Julian never spent money on me. It was obvious who it was for. Just then, HR messaged me: Lily, if you're in a hurry, go find Mr. Sterling to sign it yourself tomorrow morning. I replied: Okay. I slept well. The next morning, passing the HR department, I saw Julian's tall figure. HR was busy processing Sarah's onboarding, flattering her: "Miss Sarah, Mr. Sterling treats you so well! You two are perfect!" Sarah looked smug, wearing a Vice President badge. "Julian, making me VP straight away... will people say I got in through connections? I remember Lily was with you for seven years and only made Team Lead." Julian brushed her hair behind her ear nonchalantly. "You're my wife. Who dares to gossip? Or... do you not want to use my connections?" They looked like a loving newlywed couple. Since I ran into him, I might as well save a trip. I handed the resignation letter to him. "Mr. Sterling, please sign." Julian's eyes lit up seeing me, taking it slowly. Scanning the letter, he smiled disappointedly. "Quitting? Pretending to have a backbone? Did you forget your grandma is sick? With your savings, you'll be starving in days!" Sarah gloated. "Yeah Lily, don't delay your grandma's care just to be stubborn." HR added, confused: "But... Mr. Sterling, Lily's grandma passed away. She took leave a while ago." Julian froze. His fingers holding the letter trembled. He looked at my calm face, suddenly guilty. "Why... didn't you tell me?" Seeing his shifty eyes, I remembered years ago. Julian chopping wood and cooking for grandma, his handsome face smudged with soot, grinning at me. And grandma on her deathbed, holding my hand with tears: "Baby, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have set you up with Julian..." The pain still lingered. I said coldly: "Mr. Sterling, do I need to report personal matters to you?" Sarah frowned, about to scold me. But Julian suddenly dragged me out of HR. My wrist turned red from his grip, but I could feel him shaking. I hissed in pain. He let go abruptly, put the letter back in my hand, and showed rare weakness. "Lily, don't be impulsive. Wait for me. Let's talk after work, okay?" Just then, Sarah opened the door. "Julian, Dad called. He needs you." Julian turned immediately, looking like he was fleeing. I shook my head. As I was leaving, Sarah blocked me with her foot. "Lily, hurry up and clear out your office. I'm moving in." VP office and Team Lead office were different. I knew she was bullying me. But whatever. I was leaving anyway. Time to pack. As I was packing, there was a knock on the door. An employee from an auction house held an exquisite box, smiling fawningly. "You must be Mr. Sterling's partner. This is the bracelet he won at the auction. Please try it on!" I stood still. A breakup gift? The others didn't hear, just saw the Bulgari logo and whispered: "That's Bulgari! At least $20,000! No wonder Lily is quitting, she found a sugar daddy!" Before I could speak, the employee took out the bracelet. Just as he was about to clasp it on me... "Lily! I know you're poor, but I didn't think you'd steal my bracelet using my name! I'm Julian's partner. You're too much!" Sarah appeared out of nowhere, ripping the bracelet off my wrist, looking at me with disdain. The employee panicked and apologized profusely. Sarah waved it off, then gave me a fake smile: "It's okay. Lily comes from a small background, hasn't seen good things. Getting greedy is understandable... but the company can't tolerate thieves." I touched the red mark on my wrist where she ripped the bracelet, laughing at myself. I knew Julian wouldn't be this generous to me. The crowd urged Sarah to put it on. "Miss Sarah, Mr. Sterling is so good to you! A wife-spoiling maniac!" "Lily is shameless, impersonating you! Kick her out!" I laughed, picked up my box to leave. "Lily, what's going on?" Julian's voice. Everyone jumped to defend Sarah: "Mr. Sterling! Lily tried to steal Miss Sarah's bracelet! Look at it, worth tens of thousands. Call the police?" "Yeah, a gold digger like her doesn't deserve to be here." Sarah smiled, showing off the bracelet. "Don't listen to them, Julian. I love the gift." Julian's face went black. I looked down, waiting for him to call me vain and greedy. But he shouted at Sarah: "Take it off!"
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