Ch. SECRET KID ` 41 SECRET KID ` 41

Chapter 2 

Chapter 2 

We’d rented this tiny 450–square–foot apartment when Jake and I first got together. 

After college, I stayed in North DC to earn more money. 

With my entry–level salary, I could only afford a cramped studio in the outskirts, far from downtown. 

Jake was the one who complained that my place was “too far out” and inconvenient for him to visit. 

Jake was also the one who said my studio “wasn’t fit for human habitation” and that he couldn’t even “get in the 

mood” there. 

He suggested we rent a bigger place together. 

So I took on the burden of higher rent, picking up a second job to compensate, using the time I saved not commuting from the suburbs. 

Now he wasn’t just demanding I repay seven years of his half of the rent. 

He was actually thinking he’d been paying for sex with me all this time, and felt cheated. 

“Jake, what exactly have I been to you these past seven years?” 

The tears welling in my eyes weren’t for him–they were mourning for myself. 

Seven years of my youth, wasted on someone like him. 

His hand, still extended toward me demanding payment, trembled slightly when he saw my tears fall. 

He pressed his lips together and withdrew his hand. 

“I was just kidding, okay? k 

Madison suddenly cut him off with a disapproving click of her tongue, looking at me with contempt. 

“You totally are after Jake’s money. Without him, you couldn’t afford a decent place like this.” 

“Jake, you should just end the lease next month. You can’t let strangers take advantage of you forever.” 

“Or maybe Emma could sign an IOU. That seems fair, right?” 

If assault wasn’t illegal, I swear I’d have slapped both their entitled faces. 

But I knew if I did, they’d somehow twist it into a lawsuit and demand money. 

Just another sick game rich jerks play when they’re bored. 

Seven years–I’d played along with their games long enough. 

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Chapter 2 

I was done. 

“I’m not signing any IOU. If you want money, take me to court and see if a judge agrees with you.” 

“And I’m not staying here anymore. Madison, since you want to spend the night, remember to pay Jake rent.” 

“Otherwise, you’re a gold digger too.” 

I turned to leave, but Jake grabbed my arm. 

His smug expression was gone, replaced with annoyed indignation. 

“Emma, seriously? Madison and I were just messing with you. Can’t you take a joke?” 

“Think carefully before you walk out. You’ll never afford a place this nice on your own.” 

I was such an idiot. A complete, total idiot. 

I should have ended things the moment I discovered Jake was a trust fund kid, instead of letting a few sweet words convince me to stay. 

I should have left all those times he accused me of being after his money, 

Instead of buying into his talk about “equal relationships” that “shouldn’t be defined by money.” 

I’d only remembered how he’d warm my frozen feet with his stomach during winter nights. 

How he’d gently rub my abdomen with his warm hands when I had menstrual cramps. 

Yes, we had loved each other. We’d had beautiful moments. 

But our love was never allowed to touch anything related to money. 

“Jake, I want to break up.” 

Only when those words left my mouth did he finally drop his smug smile. 

At the same time, a hint of panic flashed across his face. 

“Break up? Emma, you’re actually breaking up with me?” 

“I don’t accept that. Who do you think you are to dump me? There’s a limit to this tantrum you’re throwing.” 

He’d always positioned himself on some pedestal above me. 

Like dating me was some kind of charity work he graciously performed. 

I just looked at him calmly. 

“This isn’t a tantrum. Since you’re constantly convinced I’m a gold digger after your money,” 

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Chapter 2 

“Why not find someone from your own social circle for a ‘fair‘ relationship?” 

I didn’t want to waste another word on him, so I turned back to the bedroom to continue packing. 

About thirty seconds later, I heard him yell angrily. 

“Emma Johnson, don’t come crying back later!” 

I ignored his threats and didn’t care when he stormed out with Madison, slamming the door behind them. 

I’d spent seven years in a relationship where I was treated like a money–hungry thief. 

I never blamed Jake for my mother’s death. 

He truly had no obligation to lend me money. 

But when I needed help most desperately–even when I offered an IOU and literally got on my knees- 

He ignored me, and still had the nerve to call me a gold digger. 

Any love I had for him, and for our seven years together, was completely dead.