Page 7 of My Forbidden Billionaire

It’s true. Tom would frequently spend the entirety of his monthly allowance buying drinks at the club or taking his friends on vacations, leaving me to pay for our rent and groceries, on top of my hefty student loan bills.

“Ugh, don’t remind me…” I huff. “But my mom will never understand that. You both know my parents. They only care about appearances and money.”

“But Tom cheated on you. You’re better off without him,” Larisa says sternly, folding the last of the boxes.

“I know, I know. I just wish my parents saw it that way. All they’ve ever wanted for me since I was in diapers is to get married and have kids with a wealthy man who can provide for our family. In fact, I’m pretty sure my relationship with Tom was the only thing in my life my mom’s ever been proud of. But … now that it’s over, she’s back to criticizing everything I do. She thinks I’m a failure.”

“That’s just insane. I’m so sorry, Jo!” Emmy squeezes my shoulder. “You’re a wonderful and accomplished woman. And the fact your parents don’t see that is a shame. I mean … we’ve known each other since high school. You graduated at the top of your class and then went on to Harvard. You received countless recommendation letters—”

“Emmy, my parents are not impressed by good grades and work accolades,” I interject. “They just want to see a wedding ring and sonogram—or three. My diplomas and my recommendation letters are as good as a Walmart receipt to them.”

I try to brush it off, but the truth is, it hurts.

I’ve always wanted a close relationship with my parents. I’ve spent my entire life trying to please them and live up to their expectations of me.

But it seems like no matter what I do, it’s never enough.

And now, here I am, picking up the pieces and rebuilding my life—all because I chose to stay with a mediocre man for far too long, just to try to make my parents happy.

I shake my head at the thought.

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting over the past three months. I finally realized that Tom was their choice, not mine.

Long before he cheated on me, I knew deep down that Tom wasn’t right for me. He had no drive, no ambition, and was content with mediocrity, while I’ve always wanted more. He’s never worked a day in his life, while I’ve spent years building a successful teaching career—a career that I love, but one that my parents consider futile.

Yet, even though I was so desperately unhappy with him, I stayed because I thought that maybe if I stuck it out, my parents would finally be proud of me. I stayed because I was simply too afraid to reject the image of the “perfect” life my parents had painted for me.

But now I know better.

I mean sure, I always imagined that at twenty-nine years old I would be married with a family. And I definitely want a family. But only with the right person, for the right reasons.

Until that person comes along, I’d much rather be single. Because, despite what my parents think, I can finally see that I don’t need a man to define my worth.

And I definitely don’t need my parents’ approval in order to live my life.

“I’m so sorry, Jo,” Emmy says, giving me a sympathetic look.

“It’s okay. I’m used to it,” I reply, shrugging off the familiar feeling of disappointment.

“Listen, we’re all here for you. You don’t have to do this alone,” Larisa says, putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I smile, grateful for the reminder.

“Alright girls, we’re supposed to be having fun, remember? Jo, this is a brand-new start for you—on all accounts! You’re starting your new job this week, at a very fancy school, and now you have this brand-new apartment.” Emmy gestures around the room. “To speak your literature language, this is a new chapter. We should be celebrating!”

Emmy is right—as always—and I appreciate that she’s sincerely trying to pull me out of my funk.

I take a deep breath and try to focus on the positive.

After the breakup, I found myself diving headfirst into my career, until I finally landed this job at one of the most prestigious private schools in the country—Jameson Juniper Hall. It’s a great job, with excellent benefits and a wonderful salary. And I’m super proud of myself—even if my life hasn’t gone exactly according to plan.

This is a new chapter in my life, and I’m determined to make it a good one.

I turn and face my best friends with a newfound sense of determination. “You’re right, Em. This is a new start for me, and I’m not going to let anyone hold me back from achieving my dreams.”

“That’s the spirit!” Emmy exclaims, throwing her arms up in the air.

“I’m going to be the best literature instructor that school has ever seen,” I declare.