Hook, Line, and Sinker

Dean claimed he had been out of town overseeing the operations as he would be opening several stores at once.

Still, I saw Erin behind him in a few of our video calls. When that happened, he hurried to explain, "Erin called me to ask how things were doing. She dropped by when she heard I was in the neighbouring city.

"I can't thank her enough for what she's done. She's really saved me a ton of trouble. My dad's been praising me for my success too."

Ambitious scions born with a silver spoon in their mouths had the tendency to strive to surpass their parents. Dean was no exception.

His father and grandfather were both formidable entrepreneurs. Dean had also been blessed with a sharp business acumen. Unfortunately, he had always been overshadowed by their success. Because of that, he was desperate to prove himself.

He had opened several DTC stores across multiple cities. He had struck hard and fast, opening those stores at the best locations possible. As a result, his father and grandfather had been singing his praises at the dinner table, saying that he'd done well for himself.

Not long after, Dean transferred 20,000 dollars to me and told me to buy Erin a gift in my name. "I know she only helped me out because of you. So, it'd be best if you gave it to her. I still know my boundaries."

After a pause, he added, "Try to pick out something she likes. If the money isn't enough, I can send more."

So, I called Erin. When the call connected, I said, "Thanks for helping my boyfriend out. He wants to get you a bag, and the budget's around 20,000 dollars… Do you have a preference? Or would you like me to just send you the money?"

There was a brief silence. Then, I heard a man's voice coming through the phone, asking, "Is this… Cassandra? Why is your boyfriend getting Erin a gift?"

Oh, crap. Erin and Eric had such similar names that I'd accidentally ended up calling him instead of her.

Eric, Erin, and I all attended the same school. He had been a year ahead of us, and we'd occasionally run into each other during club activities.

I'd praised him for being considerate just once, and Erin immediately started pursuing him the very next day. He'd been easily won over, especially when she'd taken such obvious initiative.

They started dating two weeks later. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but they still ended up married after graduation.

Sadly, they ended up getting a divorce after three years of marriage.

Nevertheless, I didn't want Erin's prime moneybag to misunderstand what was happening. After all, Eric was still paying her alimony every month.

I hurried to explain, "No, it's nothing like that. She helped my boyfriend out with something major. And I should thank you too, Eric. My boyfriend's snack brand managed to become a success because of the connections you've provided."

Eric replied, "And here I thought she was finally doing something with her life. In the end, she'd done it all for your boyfriend? She definitely cares more about him than she ever did about me."

Before I could say anything to salvage the situation, he continued, "Alright, I understand now. I'll buy her the bag myself. You can just keep the money."

I returned the money to Dean and told him Eric said it wasn't necessary.

Dean looked confused. "Isn't he her ex-husband? Why is he still so up in her business?"

"He pretty much pays her bills," I replied. "How else do you think Erin could afford her luxurious lifestyle and branded goods?"

Dean's expression turned awkward. When he saw me looking at him, he said, "You have a point."

Erin came over to my apartment that night. She'd had a bit to drink, so her cheeks were flushed when she started screaming at me.

She might look drunk, but it was obvious that she still had her wits about her as she tore me a new one.

Toward the end, she pointed at Dean and said, "Do you really think you can land a rich husband like me? Don't kid yourself, Cassandra. You'll never live the life I have. You ran to Eric and told him that I stole your boyfriend just so he'd cut me off, didn't you?

Then, she added smugly, "Well, watch me get another walking ATM to bankroll my lifestyle tomorrow."

A flicker of realization crossed Dean's face upon hearing her words.

I couldn't help but find it all so tedious. So, I left them alone in the living room and returned to my bedroom.

…

Dean started working late and traveling more frequently after that day.

When I told him that I had the time to meet his parents and have dinner with them, he gently turned me down. He claimed that it wasn't the right time just yet.

I knew what was going on right then.

Erin had gotten her claws into him. She'd won yet again.