Part 1The Breakup Bonus

During my peak "love-brain" year, my boyfriend gave my $5,000 scholarship bonus to his childhood sweetheart. I didn't even make a scene.

That night, his best friend, unable to stand it anymore, posted on his Instagram Story:

[Show me a screenshot of your breakup text, and come collect $5,000 from me.]

My boyfriend didn't care, asking him what new meme he was playing with.

He didn't reply.

But I squatted on the roadside, staring at that story for a long, long time.

After all, I was exactly $5,000 short for my grandmother's medical bills.

I had insomnia until 3 AM.

Finally, I carefully sent a message to his best friend:

[Hi, is the offer still valid?]

* * *

This was the first message I ever sent to Lucas Sterling after adding him.

As soon as I sent it, I regretted it a little.

Because Lucas Sterling hated love-brained people the most.

And I was notoriously love-brained in their circle, having been a simp for Ethan Carter for three years.

I even tried to build good relationships with all of Ethan's bros just to understand his preferences better.

Only this Lucas was the coldest to me.

Back then, Ethan warned me casually:

"He doesn't like people like you. Don't throw yourself at him; you can't afford to offend him."

So after Lucas accepted my friend request, I was too scared to even say hello.

But tonight, I sent him the first message.

It was already 3 AM.

Lucas had a disciplined schedule; he was probably asleep.

I hesitated. Should I unsend it before he sees it?

Just as my finger touched the screen.

Unexpectedly, a reply came.

Very concise:

[Screenshot.]

A tone of undeniable authority, like a CEO giving orders.

I felt inexplicably intimidated.

After all, among all of Ethan's friends, only Lucas had taken over his family business at such a young age.

I dared not offend him.

I subconsciously replied: [Okay, please wait a moment.]

Then I quickly opened Ethan's chat box and sent him a message:

[Let's break up.]

After sending it, I stunned myself for two seconds.

From pursuing Ethan to becoming his girlfriend.

Even when I was wronged or angry, I couldn't bear to say the word "breakup" to him.

I never thought that in the end, I would say this sentence because of a dramatic Instagram Story.

Ethan was still up, replying almost instantly: [?]

[Wendy, trying a new trick this time?]

I didn't dare make Lucas wait long, so I replied quickly: [No joke, I'm serious.]

After that, I took a screenshot.

Then I sent it to Lucas.

There was no reply for a moment.

I couldn't help but feel nervous.

Ethan was still messaging me:

[Just because of a scholarship bonus of a few thousand dollars, you're doing this?]

[Did you promise me not to use breaking up to threaten me?]

I pursed my lips, planning to defend myself.

Lucas finally sent another message:

[Delete contact.]

At the end, he added:

[Screen record the blocking process, collect another $5,000.]

So, I ignored Ethan's messages, quickly deleted and blocked him.

Then I sent the screen recording proof to Lucas.

The next second, a notification of $10,000 deposit into my bank account rang.

From beginning to end, he didn't say an extra word to me.

Just to solve a love-brained person who made him unbearable.