After My Boyfriend Dumped Me, He Ended Up Begging on the Streets novel Chapter 5

"Oh my God, Zoe! You're officially rich now!"

"What kind of loser breaks up with you and hands you a million dollars?"

"I'm so jealous!"

Lila's excited voice filled my ears, and I couldn't help but laugh along with her.

"Shopping tomorrow? My treat."

The moment I said that, Lila let out a dramatic squeal.

"Zoe, you finally get it! I've been waiting for this day forever!"

We talked late into the night.

The next morning, Lila and I hit the mall.

"I'll take all of these."

I pointed at an entire rack of clothes, rattled off my size, and swiped my card without a second thought.

The tightness in my chest slowly eased.

Lila excitedly browsed too but ended up picking just one item.

"That's enough," she insisted, reluctant to get more.

Just as I finished paying, my phone buzzed with a message.

I glanced at the screen—an unknown number.

But the second I read it, I knew exactly who it was.

Nora.

Zoe, do you have no shame? You actually dared to spend Caleb's money?"

"So this was your plan all along—sticking with him for years just to cash out, huh?

If you have any decency left, return the card.

It's the least you can do if you really love Caleb.

You wouldn't want him to hate you, would you?

I burst out laughing.

Lila peeked over my shoulder, read the texts, and laughed so hard she teared up.

"Is she insane? A million dollars?"

"Only an idiot would give that back!"

Still grinning, I took a screenshot and sent it straight to Caleb.

If Nora wanted to be disgusting, she might as well gross out both of us.

Not long after, Caleb called.

I hung up immediately.

I wasn't selfless.

I wasn't about to suffer alone and waste my youth raising a child on my own.

If Caleb didn't even acknowledge his own kid, what kind of life would that child have?

No father, tangled up in this mess before even taking a first breath.

Better not to bring them into the world at all.

Lila exhaled, nodding.

"Alright. I'll book the appointment for you."

Her concern lifted, replaced by a small smile.

"Zoe, I'm just glad you've finally come back to yourself."

"I was so scared you'd never get out."

I shook my head with a soft smile.

I did love Caleb once.

But there's only so much a heart can take.

Knowing when to walk away?

That was my power.