
When Hearts Break and Heal
Chapter 1
"You said you liked me, not my money!"
The wealthy heir stood in front of me, tears of frustration welling up in his clear eyes.
I shook my head. "Money makes the world go round, and your true love isn't me. Let's part ways amicably; what I love is these five million dollars."
Without looking back, I walked away, taking the five million dollars his mother gave me and disappeared from his life.
His mother was pleased. To ensure I left her son for good, she financed my move abroad and gave me a monthly allowance.
It was a generous allowance!
This kind-hearted lady went to great lengths for her son.
I would feel guilty if I didn't accept it.
Thus, for the next three years, I fully utilized the resources provided by this benevolent woman to carve out my own small empire.
At twenty-three, I cut off all ties with her. By twenty-five, I returned to Wossen.
Back in my homeland, I was no longer a poor, pitiful orphan. I had transformed into a wealthy orphan!
No one could bully me like before!
Except for one unforeseen event...
Alright, on my first day back, I got hit by a car.
Nothing major, just a face-first fall...
Fate envies the rich!
I couldn't stay unattractive at such a young age, so I spent some money on plastic surgery!
To change my luck, I even changed my name.
And so, at twenty-six, I, Judy Steele, was back!
I decided to settle in Xegow, the city where I was born and raised. My primary occupation was a businesswoman, and my secondary role was a philanthropist.
It sounded prestigious—wealthy and kind-hearted!
But fate had other plans. I never imagined that after donating several buildings to a local medical university, I would find myself in the following situation.
The amiable school leader introduced the attendees at the meeting.
"This is our university's youngest associate professor, Gustave Watson. He's the same age as you, Ms. Steele—both young and promising!"
I smiled and nodded, shaking hands with my ex-boyfriend.
Everything felt so surreal!
Eight years ago, I left Xegow to attend university in the capital, where I experienced my first romance.
His name was Gustave Watson.
A wealthy heir, younger than me by half a year, and far less mature.
He skipped classes, got into fights, avoided campus activities, surrounded himself with a bunch of shady friends, got tattoos, dyed his hair, smoked, and changed girlfriends more frequently than his hair color, believing money could solve everything.
But I liked him!
Gustave seemed to have changed a lot.
We exchanged polite pleasantries, and he didn't speak to me for the rest of the meeting.
I was secretly delighted—it seemed the plastic surgery was quite successful since my ex didn't recognize me!
I tried my best to avoid looking at him, but my secretary kept stealing glances at him, sighing dreamily, which irritated me.
Finally, the meeting ended. I declined the university's invitation for further engagements, eager to leave immediately.
Lesley Surrey, a student I sponsored and now my secretary, wasn't formal around me. Shortly after we left, she clung to my arm.
"He's so handsome! Judy, I'm swooning!"
I sighed. "If I'm guilty, please let—"
"Please let Mr. Watson heal me!" she said, her face flushed with admiration.