Diary of a Poor Billionaire

CHAPTER 2: In the Park

-Irah’s POV-

“Have you told Erick already?” I just finished calling Erick when Ashley asked me. Beside her, Penelope, Jenny, and Claire were looking at me expectantly.

Ashley Carter was one of my best friends in Challenger High and she decided to follow me in college. Other girls did the same and I was grateful to them.

I thought I would enjoy this day with them. But I didn’t expect they urged me to break up with Erick. Their disapproval against Erick worsened.

Ever since in Challenger High days, they never showed any support towards Erick. The girls never included him when we had fun together. Those days, I really didn’t understand why they always looked down on Erick. Yes, he was poor. But he’s honest and sincere. He always tried his best to make me happy. I always thought he was the perfect man that I dreamt to be with for the rest of my life.

However, my definition of a perfect man was somehow wavered these past few days. One thing they always said to me, ‘A man, no matter how sincere and diligent he is, is still useless if he has no capabilities.’

And it proved me many times already, even though it’s just two weeks since I arrived here in Seattle. Once, Ashley’s boyfriend treated us to dinner in Michelin-rated restaurant. Some days ago, Penelope’s suitor, who was also an incoming student of Seattle University, gave her a make up kit that cost ten thousand dollars.

I did wish to experience all of these. I imagined having dress that would cost thousands of dollars, eat in a fancy restaurants and hotels, and receive gifts from someone. I was a girl after all. And these things were what we normally hoped to have.

But I never experienced it with Erick. My best friends were right somehow. There were still many things to explore. How could I have a bright future if my partner was not capable?

So, I called for Erick earlier—to meet him tonight so that we could break up.

“Girl, I told you. This is Seattle University. We’re not in Challenger High anymore. If we continue to stick up with Erick, they would look down on us. You know how big shots the students are in this school,” Jenny Kirkwood said without doubt. She already said it for the umpteenth time.

“Exactly. Why don’t you accept William? He’s been chasing for you for two weeks now. He’s rich and handsome. Erick is nothing compared to William,” Penelope Walter added.

“Okay, okay. Don’t worry, I will meet Erick later and tell him to break up. But I don’t know how to say it to him,” I said anxiously, some parts of me still wanted to be with Erick.

“Why don’t you bring William along and agree to be his girlfriend? Then you can meet Erick and you can dump him easily with William around,” Claire suggested enthusiastically. Others nodded in agreement.

I sighed and nodded in agreement as well. Perhaps I should dump Erick now and give William a chance.

After our talk, I excused myself and went to Johnson Apartment. Kevin must’ve had arrived by now, so I could get the dress I ordered him to buy.

The apartment was just a walking distance away from Campion Hall so I arrived there in just a few minutes. Miss Jean, the caretaker, was sweeping the floor near the doorway.

“Miss Jean, is my cousin here?” I asked the caretaker smilingly.

“Hey Irah, why are you looking for me?” before the caretaker could answer, a voice suddenly spoke behind me. It was Kevin, my cousin.

“Well, it’s about my dress. Did you buy it?” I asked hopefully.

“Yeah. But let me settle something first. Let’s go Erick,” Kevin said and turned to the young man beside him. When I heard the name Erick, I couldn’t help but looked at the man beside Kevin.

“Erick?!” I was shocked when I saw him. How was that possible? Why did he know my cousin? Yes, that was my boyfriend, Erick Miller.

He seemed to be stunned as well.

“You knew Erick too? What a small world!” Kevin exclaimed.

I felt guilty when I saw him. How I wished the ground would swallow me alive? I have to go now before it gets too awkward.

“Kevin, I’m in a hurry. Can I just get my dress some other time?” I said hastily, trying to avoid Erick’s gaze. I left without waiting for his approval.

“Wait! Why didn’t you acknowledge my brother Erick?” he shouted.

“Maybe next time,” I said hastily, and then my gaze fell on Erick. I felt even guiltier when he looked at me dejectedly.

‘Sorry Erick. Maybe I’m not really for you.’ I thought. And with that, I turned and leave in a hurry.

It would be weird if I meet him later when I already meet him now and I just ignore him. So I immediately sent Erick a message: “I’m sorry if I ignore you earlier. It’s just that I still have some businesses to finish. Don’t forget our meet up later. See you.” Then I sent him the address of the park as well.

I also sent a message to William, inviting him for meet me at the park; a plan was formed in my head.

It was already eight o’clock when a car suddenly appeared in front of me.

What?! It’s a Lamborghini Reventon! I heard from the boys back in Challenger High that this car was worth 1.5 million dollars. It was every girl’s dreams to ride in such a luxurious car as the Reventon with their boyfriend.

I never thought I could really see it for real! Whoever owned it must be super rich.

I stood rooted on my spot when a familiar figure stepped out of the car. And it was William! He looked more handsome with his car; I admired him even more.

“Thank you for coming, William. I hope I have not bothered you,” I said blushingly. I still couldn’t move on that it was William who owned this Reventon.

“It’s nothing. I can do whatever you ask me to. How could I resist a gorgeous lady like you?” He said teasingly, which made me blush even more. “What is it, though?”

And so, I said to him the reason why I summoned him, about how I would break up with Erick tonight. After I laid out my plan, he seemed to be more elated. He knew Erick and I were in relationship, that’s why he failed his plan to court me. But now that I brought the topic of breaking up with Erick, William would definitely chase me again because I would be single again.

“So tell me, what I can get in return?” said William, smiling from ears to ears.

“Ask yourself what you wanted these past two weeks,” I said flirtingly. I knew for sure he understood what I meant.

“I wonder what it is,” he replied, acting innocently. He smiled broadly after saying that.

“Can we go now?”

He opened the door like a gentleman. He looked even more handsome with that. I didn’t hesitate to go inside and I was stunned to see what the Reventon looked like in the inside. Every inch of it were so exquisite. The Reventon was way more luxurious than my cousin’s Mercedez-benz.

The ride to the park was heaven. Every girl would be jealous with me for this. I never thought I could ride this so-expensive car in my life. I knew from that moment that my decision of breaking up with Erick was the best choice. Haha! Now I could ride this thing regularly from now onwards.

We were already in the park, but Erick was still nowhere to be seen. I felt nervous as some minutes passed by. What should I say to him?

“Are you sure Erick will be here?” William asked all of a sudden. I shook my head anxiously.

“Well, in that case, we’ll just have to enjoy our time here while waiting for him,” he added.

“If you say so,” I replied.

We were chatting happily while waiting for Erick. I was not sure if Erick would turn up tonight, but I hoped he wouldn’t. After a while, William seemed to be a little sweeter than earlier. I didn’t know what he’s thinking. He started to flatter me in any way he could, then started to arrange my hair that fell in front of my face, and he even held my hand, for which I didn’t refuse. I even chuckled with his actions.

We’ve been in that position when a punch suddenly landed on William’s face.

“You—”

“What’s this Irah?” It was Erick. I didn’t realize he was around. He looked scary and about to cry, the opposite Erick I used to know. I was ashamed; I couldn’t look up at him straightly. Our relationship was not done yet but he saw me flirting with William.

William, who was thrown off the bench, slowly get up, a smirk was plastered on his face.

“Erick, right? So, how’s the show earlier?” William said menacingly. “Tell me, was Irah this happy when she’s with you?”

It seemed like William had already known that Erick was already here at the park. I now had the idea why he became so sweet suddenly. It turned out he had some plans on his own.

“You! How can you be so shameless to steal other’s girl?” Erick was in rage now. I could feel his pain, but I better not care about it.

I was silent the whole time, not sure what to say.

“Your girl? How come she’s your girl when you can’t give her anything?” William retorted back.

“Irah, please tell me why you’re doing this to me?” Erick said softly, tears now glistened evidently on his face. “Please, just tell me why?”

Before I could say, William said sarcastically, “Why bother asking when you know it already? If you’re unsure, just look again at the mirror and see it for yourself.”

“William, please stop it.” I said for the first time. I turned to Erick and said, “I’m sorry Erick, but the reason why I wanted to meet you tonight was to break up with you formally.”

“Please tell me why. What’s wrong with me?” Erick said chokingly. “Please, I want to hear it from you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you. In fact, I really admired you back then. You’re sincere. You’re kind. But sometimes I have to be practical. You. . . You’re not capable and you know it. I have many wishes in life but I couldn’t fulfill it when I’m with you. I . . . I’m really sorry about that. Maybe I’m not the best girl for you.”

The moment after saying that I noticed how his expression changed and it scared me. It looked like I enraged him with my words.

“Now you admit it. You want to break up with me because I’m not capable, that I’m very poor. Is that what you mean?” He said coldly.

“I, uh, I didn’t—”

“Come on Irah, why can’t you just say that there’s nothing more important for you than money?! Now I can see that you’re just like any other girls. You’re all just b***h who know nothing but money and luxury,” he added.

“How dare you say that to me?” I was enraged by his words. Why did he think of me that way? I was sorry for him earlier but now all I could think of was how I suddenly hated him.

“Am I right? You choose William because he’s rich and I’m just nobody. Sigh. I would not be surprised if you’re not pure anymore,” he was shaking his head as he said that. “Impurity in exchange of money; in that case, it’s very logical.”

“You—!” I felt wronged. All I wished was to have a bright future. Was it wrong to be practical? If we have no money, how could we live? I already explained, but all he replied was way below the belt.

“Don’t you dare say that to her! If you put another toe out of this, I will not forgive you,” William’s voice was full of threat.

“Yeah? Try me,” Erick said coldly and he turned to me, making me recoiled. “You know what? I am grateful I recognized the b***h side of you. Now I realized it would do me good if we break up. And I thank you for that.”

With that, he turned and left. I could hear he puffed out some air out of frustration.

“I am right to dump you, too,” I shouted.

I was in daze momentarily. It took me a while to be able to compose myself. With William beside me, I felt a little ease.

“Let’s forget what happened tonight. Why can’t we just enjoy now? I’ll book a reservation at El Gaucho,” William suggested.

“Thank you, William,” I said approvingly and gave him a smack on his lips. He was even happier with that.