CHAPTER ONE

"What does it look like I'm doing, you friggin' jerk?" I seethed, my voice filled with frustration and anger.

"-breaking up with you, that's it. You claim to love me, but it's all lies. You're just like the rest, Richard. Once again, I've foolishly allowed myself to be fooled by charming smiles and fake personalities. I genuinely thought you were different, that you were perfect, unlike the rest. But I was wrong, Richard. You're the worst of them all," I shouted, feeling the intensity of my emotions overpower me.

Slamming my bedroom door in his face, a strange mix of satisfaction and regret washed over me and at that moment, I could have sworn I heard the satisfying sound of his nose breaking against the door.

Good! He deserved it, even more than that. He was such a fake, manipulative person, disguised as a caring and loving partner. I didn't know why I dated him in the first place.

Now, I'm sure you're all wondering what on earth is going on. Don't worry, I'll give you a little preview of my life. Allow me to introduce myself properly;

I am Anika Downs, once the most popular girl in high school, the cheerleader captain, and the face of Bradford High. I was the girl all the guys were dying for, relishing in the attention and admiration. Yes, I must admit, I was quite awesome.

Not only that, but my parents were incredibly wealthy. They owned multiple high-standard companies that dealt with petroleum and crude oil.

Money was never an issue for me; everything I desired was at my fingertips. However, everything changed catastrophically when tragedy struck and my parents died in a devastating plane crash while traveling to Europe for a business contract.

Suddenly, my entire world crumbled around me, as I found myself navigating life without the guidance and support of my beloved parents. In their absence, I made several regrettable decisions, particularly when it came to matters of the heart.

Just like Richard, the guys I had been involved with were only interested in me for my wealth and popularity.

The devastating breakup with Richard marks the fourth time I had fallen victim to the heartbreaking deception. It was a pain to realize how gullible I had been, seeking love and acceptance in all the wrong places.

One of the first guys I fell for was Billy Joel back in high school. He made me believe that our love was real, that he truly cared for me. Yet, as time went on, the facade began to crumble, revealing his true intentions.

It started innocently enough, with him requesting small amounts of money to pay his bills or cover expenses. Naively, I complied, desperate to prove my love and support but as time passed, his demands and manipulation escalated. He became distant, rarely answering my calls unless he needed something from me.

In the end, I discovered he had been cheating on me, using my money to spoil the other woman, who happened to be one of my friends. The betrayal was unbearable, and my trust in love was shattered.

Following that painful breakup, I vowed never to get involved with any guy again, convinced that they were all after one thing: my money. But then Richard entered my life, and everything changed.

He seemed different from the others. Nice, tall, and undeniably handsome, he had a way of capturing my heart from the start. With his mesmerizing brown eyes, dirty blonde hair, and a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts, I couldn't help but boast about him to my friends.

I truly believed he was the perfect boyfriend, someone who cared for me without any ulterior motives but as with all the others, Richard's true colors eventually appeared. His love, care, and affection turned out to be nothing more than an act.

It became clear that he was driven purely by greed, seeking to exploit my wealth and financial security. I was disappointed and heartbroken.

So, now, whenever the word 'love' is whispered to me, I look them deep in the eyes, my voice filled with bitterness and resolve, and I say, 'Fuck love.' Because, at least for now, that's how I feel.

T.B.C 

Noeline.