Chapter 3

Seeing my refusal, Serena became agitated.

"Tutoring just you is one thing, but adding Julian to study together, why is that so impossible?

"Ashley, this is a crucial stage for our studies. Can't you be less selfish?"

She was fuming, glaring at me, making me doubt my judgment of her all those years ago.

In high school, Serena was brilliant and proud, but so poor she barely had enough to eat.

Even though I hated studying, I paid her a high tutoring fee to help me with my lessons.

It was all to protect her pride and self-esteem.

After graduation, I brought her to my dad's company for an internship, pulling strings to get her a project manager position.

After we married, I completely handed the company over to her to manage.

But despite everything I did, Serena still wanted me dead.

How could I possibly repeat those mistakes now?

At that moment, Julian cautiously looked up at me, feigning vulnerability.

"Ashley, if I don't get into college, my dad will force me to work.

"I really want to keep studying. Could you please just save my life? I promise to repay you for the rest of my life."

Serena roared,

"Do you want Julian to be practically driven to his death before you're satisfied?"

I quickly took a few steps back, putting distance between us, as if I feared catching something unclean.

"What are you even saying? Your life is far too precious for me to bear such a burden."

I pulled out my phone and, right in front of them, SnapChatted Serena a thousand dollars.

Serena's SnapChat was still pinned at the top of my contacts. So annoying.

"Your tutoring fee for this month is transferred. You don't need to come anymore.

"Spend the rest of your time focusing on tutoring your friend Julian. I won't interfere."

Julian's face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Serena.

But Serena didn't respond to Julian. She watched my actions, her brows furrowed.

She stared intently at me, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"What did you say? You don't want me to come anymore?"

I was afraid she hadn't understood, so I repeated myself.

"Serena, you don't need to come to my house to tutor me anymore. Julian needs your help more now, or he might not get into college and it'll be the end of him."

"But… I've been tutoring you for two years. Aren't you worried you'll suddenly fail your exams?"

Serena's voice trembled slightly.

"That's none of your concern. You can go now."

In my previous life, even after Serena tutored me, I still ended up studying abroad just to pad my resume.

My grades didn't improve, and I was stuck with the label of having crippled Julian.

Looking back, I was a total chump.

Serena's hands trembled, her fingertips white as she clenched them, and she gritted her teeth.

"Fine, Ashley. Don't you dare regret this!"

With that, she angrily stormed off with Julian.