He Fumbled a Lifetime

He stepped in and grabbed my wrist—hard, like he wanted to crush it.

"Come with me."

"What are you doing?!" I struggled, but couldn't break free. "Everyone's watching—including your girlfriend. Say it here. No need for drama."

"Yeah, Philip, what's going on with you and Stella?"

Winnie looked at him, eyes full of hurt.

Philip glanced at her, hesitated—but didn't let go.

"Winnie, don't get the wrong idea. Stella and I just have something to sort out."

Philip dragged me outside.

"Stella, I know you can't handle me being with Winnie. You said you applied to a school in Borevia City just to get back at me. But being petty won't fix anything. My mom needs money now. If you care about me, lend it."

I didn't think he could be this shameless.

"We're classmates. What does your mom being sick have to do with me? Ask your relatives. Or your girlfriend. Why me? I don't have money."

Last time, at this exact dinner, Philip got drunk and said he'd drop out to pay for his mom Margaret's treatment.

But when I got him home, he broke down and asked for money.

I couldn't stand seeing him like that. I handed him my bank card.

Three years of prize money. Cash gifts from relatives for getting into college.

Almost twenty-five grand. Enough to cover a year of treatment.

He took it and pulled me into a hug, overwhelmed.

A few days later, he cried again—this time asking me to give up college.

"Stella, my mom's treatment costs money. We can't touch the savings. You'll have to work and pay my tuition. I swear I'll never betray you."

I was blinded. I hid it from my parents, tossed my acceptance letter, and worked three jobs to put him through school.

He got used to it.

So this time, when I said no, it threw him.

He stared at me, searching. "You came back too, didn't you?"

"Yes." I nodded, leaning in close. "Scared? You killed my child."

His hand snapped to my throat. His eyes went cold with hate.

"You bitch. So you came back too." His grip tightened. "Last time, you tore me and Winnie apart. If not for you, she wouldn't have died. You owe us. So this time, you're giving me the money."