I Dumped My Poor Boyfriend, Became Rich—He Said Regrets Chapter 01

I Dumped My Poor Boyfriend, Became Rich—He Said Regrets Chapter 01

Back in college, I “bought” myself a boyfriend.

As long as he stayed with me, I took care of his family’s crushing medical bills. For four years, that dirt-poor, straight-A genius endured the humiliation of being mine.

Then, my family’s empire collapsed into bankruptcy.

When we broke up, his face was as cold as ice. He didn’t say a single word begging me to stay.

Years later, I was scraping by as a cocktail waitress at The Sapphire Lounge to pay off the remaining debts. He had become the city’s hottest tech billionaire, standing side-by-side with our college prom queen.

He looked at me and asked, “Regret it?”

“No.”

“Well, I do.”

***

After all these years, I never expected to cross paths with Ethan Hayes like this.

When I brought out the cocktail garnishes, I kept my head low, terrified he’d recognize my face. Chloe Sterling was sitting right next to him. A match made in heaven. They looked perfect together.

“Waitress,” Ethan called out. “Slice these oranges.”

With my back turned to him, I cut the citrus into perfect, thin wheels.

A lifetime ago, whenever I wanted oranges, Ethan would always slice them for me. His knife skills were flawless, every piece cut with mathematical precision. Back then, I foolishly thought it meant he loved me.

Only later did I realize it was just a mechanical habit. When he sliced fruit, his mind wandered to the universe, to his code—everywhere except me.

Four years apart felt like half a lifetime.

Somehow, the guests at the table started gossiping about college romances. One of them said, “Hey, I heard Mr. Hayes had a girlfriend throughout his four years at Crestview University.”

My hand froze.

Ethan offered a faint, noncommittal “Yeah.”

“Wow, four years. That’s the entire college experience.”

Ethan didn’t take the bait.

The guest laughed awkwardly, trying to fill the silence. “Four years… she must have been unforgettable, right?”

Silence stretched across the table like a stagnant river. Finally, Ethan let out a soft, careless chuckle.

“Not really.”

Beside him, Chloe explained with a patronizing smile. “It’s a miracle Ethan doesn’t hate her. I went to the same school. Honestly, back then… it was exhausting for him. If his ex hadn’t been in the way, Ethan and I would’ve been together a lot sooner.”

“Right, of course! Miss Sterling is a Hollywood star now. No college ex could ever compete with you.”

The atmosphere warmed up again. I pulled my cap lower, desperate to escape.

The paring knife slipped, slicing deep into my palm. I gasped, drawing the table’s attention.

“What’s wrong with you? Can’t even slice a piece of fruit properly?” Chloe complained.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll bring a fresh tray right away.” I grabbed the platter, ready to bolt.

“Wait.” Ethan’s voice cut through the room. Deliberate. Heavy.

“Turn around.”