LOVE AGAIN ❤️

NINE DAYS

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Sam’s pov

I showed up at school that morning with one goal — find her.

She was at her locker, pretending she didn’t see me. I walked up, leaned against the metal door, and said, “About the other day… my brother’s an i***t. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”

Her shoulders relaxed. She forgave me

I'll make sure she enjoys her nine days. Nine days of good food, new clothes, nice things. I took her to the cafeteria and bought her lunch. That night, I texted her to meet me after school. We went downtown, and I bought her dresses, shoes, designer bags — things she’d never touched in her life. She smiled so much, she was happy for real.

I didn’t like her. I never did. But she was grateful for everything, and I didn’t mind the company.

The days blurred into dinners at fancy restaurants, movie nights, and shopping trips. She thought we were building something. I knew I was building an ending.

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The tenth day started like nothing was wrong. I saw her at the usual spot in the cafeteria, smiling when she spotted me. She waved me over. I walked to her table, sat down, and didn’t touch the food in front of me.

I didn’t plan on dragging it out. When I decided to end something, I ended it.

“Look,” I said, leaning back in my chair, “this…" Whatever we’ve been doing — it’s over.”

Her smile faltered. “What?”

“I said it’s over. I don’t date people like you.” I kept my voice steady, loud enough for the surrounding tables to hear. A couple of guys nearby went quiet, pretending not to listen but leaning in all the same.

She frowned. “People like me?”

“You’re poor,” I said plainly. “Your parents can’t even afford real meals for you. I was helping you. That’s all this was — charity. Don’t mistake it for love.”

Her eyes started to glisten, but I didn’t stop. “And honestly? You’re a terrible kisser. It’s like kissing someone who’s trying to chew at the same time. And the way you eat—” I laughed, short and sharp. “You eat like a pig. Remember that video from my house? Yeah. Everyone’s seen it now.”

Gasps rippled through the tables around us. I could hear muffled laughter from the guys two seats over. She looked down, cheeks flushing red, shoulders curling inward like she wanted to disappear.

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and slung it over my shoulder. “You should thank me, Sandra. I gave you a taste of a life you’ll never have. Don’t get used to it.”

I walked away without looking back. But I could feel the eyes on her, the whispers starting already. By the time I reached the doors, her quiet sobs had turned into full-blown crying.

Perfect.

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