Chapter 5 For A Better Future

After giving Lainey a warm smile, Michael turned around and walked to Harlow. Only seconds ago, his expression had been as bright as the sun, but now, it was as gloomy as a stormy night's sky.

With a cold and disdainful look, he approached Harlow. He could see that her eyes were red, her hair was disheveled, and her chest was full of bruises. Her white dress was torn and her shoes were missing. If she had not called out to him, he might have pretended like she did not exist.

"What happened to you?" Michael asked, looking at the bruises on her chest. He pretended like he cared about her, just because they were from the same town.

Harlow quickly tried to cover up the bruises on her chest with her long black hair. She was so embarrassed about the scratches that she felt like she would rather be killed than to have Michael look at them. "I've been waiting for you all night. I got bitten by the mosquitos while I waited for you, but that's all right," she said nervously.

Michael stared at her in surprise as she tried to avoid meeting his gaze. He knew that Harlow was a terrible liar and that even a child could tell if she was lying. She was so naive that she could not even find out about his affair with Lainey.

"Go to school if you don't have anything to say. People might mistake us if they see you looking like a wreck," Michael said, clenching his fists. In the past, he would affectionately touch her head and call her a "silly girl", but now, he seemed very distant.

All of a sudden, they heard a car honking, and turned around. Lainey was in her red convertible, pouting impatiently.

"Why are you with her, Michael?" Harlow asked with tears welling up in her eyes.

"Since you've already caught us, I don't want to hide it from you anymore. Harlow, it's over between us. I'm sure you'll find a great guy to love you, so stop coming to me," Michael said as he turned around and blew Lainey a kiss.

"Why? I just want to know why you did this! Did I do something wrong? Am I not good enough for you anymore? Tell me, what's the problem? I can change for you," Harlow pleaded in tears.

Annoyed, Michael shook off her hand and looked around. Seeing people near them, he said with a scornful look, "Stop embarrassing me and yourself! You... you're great. This is all my fault. Don't ask me anything more, we are over."

"No, Michael! It doesn't have to be like this. Please don't leave me. I will be a better girlfriend in the future!" Harlow pleaded childishly.

"Don't come crying to me again, okay? Even if you're not embarrassed about it, I am. You're a nice girl, Harlow. Maybe even too good for me. I am just not worthy of you," he said with a sigh.

"You're lying, Michael! You wouldn't have left me for her if you thought that I was good, right?" Harlow protested. Tears poured down her cheeks as she saw their love fade into nothing. However, even after learning the truth, she was still unwilling to accept it.

Michael was frustrated upon hearing Lainey's car honking incessantly from behind. Looking at Harlow's pitiable state, he felt anxious. But, he ignored her feelings and said, "If I'm with her, I don't have to work my ass off everyday to get rich, do you understand?"

Harlow stared at him in disbelief as she cried, "I don't believe you! You're lying!"

"Harlow, be realistic. If I am with Lainey, I can work at her dad's company and get rich, soon. With her in my life, I might actually be able to achieve my dreams! Is that so hard to understand? Don't come to me again, it troubles Lainey. Please take care of yourself, okay?" Michael said with a sigh.

He then turned around and left, without looking back.

Harlow felt powerless as she watched him get into Lainey's car. They both kissed and sped away in high spirits.

She felt like a used toy that had been left in the dumpster by its owner.