After My Boyfriend Dumped Me, He Ended Up Begging on the Streets novel Chapter 1

Eight years ago. 

Caleb Mercer lost a fight and spiraled into rock bottom. 

I stuck by his side, supported him for eight years, and finally helped him rise again. 

Now, he's back on top, reclaiming his title as champion. 

But at the awards ceremony, he handed the trophy to his first love, Nora Whitmore. 

He said he wanted to share his success with the person he loved. 

And when the host asked about me? 

He simply said, "Just a nanny." 

The moment Caleb said those words, the entire room went silent. 

The host nearly dropped his mic.

He glanced at me, then at Nora, who stood next to Caleb, smiling sweetly.

Awkwardly, he chuckled.

"Looks like we all misunderstood, huh?" 

"Oh, don't get the wrong idea, everyone! I'm Caleb's real girlfriend."

"We just kept it private all these years, right, Caleb?"

Nora cooed, holding onto his arm like they were the perfect couple. 

I stared at Caleb, hoping—praying—he would deny it.

But he just looked at me with cold indifference and said, "Yeah." 

The crowd erupted into cheers, congratulating them, saying how perfect they were together. 

And me?

I stood there like a fool, my fists clenched so tightly my nails dug into my palms.

My face drained of color. 

"Zoe, what the hell is going on?"

Lila, my best friend, hissed, her eyes burning with fury.

"Why is he saying Nora's his girlfriend?"

"She ran off when he hit rock bottom!"

"You're the one who helped him rebuild everything!" 

"Lila, not here. Let's talk later."

I swallowed back the lump in my throat, gripping her arm before she stormed the stage. 

But I needed answers. 

"What do you want?" 

My voice shook.

"What do I want?"

"Caleb, are you seriously not going to explain what the hell happened today?" 

For a split second, something flickered in his eyes.

But just as quickly, it was gone. 

"I don't owe you an explanation."

"Do we have some kind of relationship?" 

Nora smirked.

"Yeah, Zoe. Caleb's my boyfriend. Why would he owe you anything?" 

Eight years ago, she looked at me the same way.

Like I was nothing. 

And eight years later, nothing had changed. 

No matter what I did, I'd never be as important to Caleb as Nora.