I Dumped My Poor Boyfriend, Became Rich—He Said Regrets Chapter 04

I Dumped My Poor Boyfriend, Became Rich—He Said Regrets Chapter 04

Ethan closed the distance between us, step by step.

He was still the boy from my memories, but the sharp edges of youth had hardened into a dangerous, calculated maturity.

“Deleted accounts, dead phone numbers… even our professors couldn’t track you down. Veronica Vance, you really are something else.”

I slowly raised my head, forcing myself to look into his eyes. “I’m sure… with your network, you’ve already dug up the truth. My family went bankrupt. My father is buried under lawsuits and endless debt…”

“Why didn’t you tell me back then?”

The words trapped themselves in my throat.

“Was it your pride, Princess Veronica? Couldn’t bear to let me see you lose?”

“No—”

Before I could finish, Chloe strolled up to us. “Oh my god? Veronica! It really is you!”

She was even more stunning than she was in college, every strand of hair perfectly styled for the cameras.

“Long time no see! Everyone from Crestview has been looking for you. How did you completely drop off the grid for four years?”

“I was down in the Sunbelt.”

“Ah, that explains it.” Chloe looked at my clothes, her eyes widening in mock surprise. “Veronica… isn’t that the puffer jacket you bought junior year? The down is literally leaking out of the seams. You’re still wearing that?”

Back in the day, I never wore an outfit past its first season. She was trying to humiliate me, to make me squirm. But I was entirely numb.

“It’s not broken. It still works.”

Chloe let out an understanding sigh. “Are things that bad? You should’ve just told us. We’re old classmates—let me help you.”

She slid a platinum card out of her designer bag. “Take it. Consider it a gift.”

“Thank you, but I don’t need it.”

I looked at her, then shifted my gaze to Ethan, offering them a quiet, empty smile. “I’m actually getting married soon. Make sure to come to the wedding.”

The words hit Ethan like a physical blow. The absolute shock on his face was unmistakable.