You Once Meant the World

Since I'd already decided not to chase after Zac anymore, I returned to my apartment.

I started packing up and prepared to move back in with my parents. Three years ago, just because of an offhand comment Zac made, I had moved out and started living alone.

I had lived by myself for three years, and once they were up, I managed to track Zac down and ask if he still meant what he had said before.

"Zac, I've lived independently for three years, just like you asked. I've proven I can take care of myself and take care of you too. Do you still mean what you said three years ago?"

Zac didn't seem to remember what he had said. He had even asked me blankly, "What did I say three years ago?"

His question had left me speechless.

Still clinging to one last shred of hope, I had reminded him, "You said if I could live by myself for three years, you'd consider dating me."

At that, Zac finally seemed to remember. He just let out a lazy chuckle and waved his hand dismissively.

"There's nothing to consider. I'm saying no."

I had sighed internally. I had expected this answer, but it still hurt to hear it out loud.

I had quietly walked out of the room. Behind me, Zac hadn't bothered hiding his cruel sarcasm.

"A throwaway line from three years ago, and you actually took it seriously, Nancy. I can't even remember saying it, and you had the guts to ask me about it. What a joke."

The apartment wasn't big. It only took me half a day to pack everything.

Beside my suitcase was a black bag filled with jewelry and stuffed animals. They were gifts from Zac over the years.

I didn't want any of it anymore.

The doorbell rang, and a voice came through the intercom, "Hello, is Miss Sullivan home?"

I opened the door and handed the black bag to the man outside. He was the secondhand buyer I'd called earlier.

Back when we were younger, Zac had always gifted me luxury items worth a fortune. Since I no longer wanted them, I figured I might as well sell them.

Just then my best friend, Megan Powell, showed up.

She looked horrified when she saw what I was doing. Her eyes went wide in disbelief.

"These were your absolute favorites! Are you seriously selling them? Nancy, have you lost your mind?"

I turned around calmly, holding up my phone to show her the deposit notification. Over a million bucks had just hit my account.

"There's no point keeping them. This money is way more useful."

"But those were Zac's birthday gifts to you every single year. You've kept them for over twenty years! If Zac finds out you sold them–"

I suddenly hated hearing Zac's name. I grabbed Megan's hand, cut her off, and dragged her out the door with me.

"Enough. What's done is done. Don't bring him up again. He won't find out unless you plan to snitch and cozy up to that guy."

She reached up to feel my forehead, her jaw dropping like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"Holy crap. Did someone finally cure your love-crazed brain? Wait. Does this mean you've actually let Zac go?"

I gave her a bitter smile.

So what if I had? It was better to let go than keep hurting myself.

"Yeah. I've let go. Starting today, I'm a brand new Nancy. I've already agreed to meet someone my parents set me up with."

That left her completely stunned. Her jaw dropped. She couldn't even say a word.

"Come on," I said with a smile. "I just made some easy money today. Let me treat you to a fancy dinner."