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He Spent My Dad's Life-Saving Fund on Her Coffee Shop
Novelix
Completed
For six years, I paid more than everyone else because I thought we were family. When my dad needs emergency brain surgery, I ask to use our shared emergency fund for the first time. My boyfriend says no. Our friends agree. Three days later, they drain the entire account to help Lina open a coffee shop. They take my money, my home, my camera, even my engagement dinner—and still call me selfish. So I stop begging. I leave the city, send them every bill they owe me, and let them learn what life costs without me.
Chapters (1)
第1章
The month my dad needs emergency brain surgery, my boyfriend drains our $52,000 emergency fund to lock down another woman's coffee shop.
After college, the five of us set up a shared emergency fund.
Me, Noah Reed, Lina Hayes, Mason Cole, and Ethan Brooks.
We each put in $250 a month. The rule is simple. If one of us gets hit with something serious, we all help.
For six years, I make the most money.
Lina is my best friend, or at least I think she is. She always says her paycheck is too small, her rent went up, her cat got sick, her boss paid her late. Out of every ten payments, I cover eight of hers.
I never complain.
Then my Dad suddenly has a brain hemorrhage.
Insurance covers part of it, but between the deductible, co-insurance, ICU costs, and the first round of rehab care, I am still $18,000 short.
For the first time ever, I ask the group chat to use the emergency fund.
Noah replies first.
Noah: This is all five of our money. We need to vote.
Mason abstains.
Ethan sends one cold line.
Ethan: Doesn't your dad have insurance? We shouldn't blow the whole fund on something insurance is supposed to cover.
In the end, four people vote no.
I sell the last pieces of jewelry Mom left me before she died. That is how I pay Dad's hospital bill.
Three days later, my banking app sends me an alert.
The shared emergency fund has been emptied.
All $52,000.
At the same time, Lina updates Instagram: Finally have my own coffee shop. Thank you to my three favorite guys for making my dream come true.
In the photo, Noah is standing on a ladder, hanging her new sign.
I stare at the screen until my hands start shaking.
Then I go straight to the coffee shop.
Noah sees me and frowns like I am the one ruining the day.
"What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here?" My voice almost cracks. "You emptied the fund. Dad needed surgery, and you said no. But Lina wants a coffee shop, and suddenly all the money is available?"
He grabs my arm and pulls me aside.
"Your dad is fine now, isn't he?"
I freeze.
Noah keeps going.
"The lease for this place had to be signed today. If Lina didn't put money down, someone else would take it. Which one is more urgent? Can you not tell?"
Mason steps in front of me.
"Jenna, stop making that face. You're killing the mood."
Ethan opens the door and points outside.
"Go home. Don't ruin the opening."
I look at the three of them.
These are the people who once promised that if any one of us fell, the other four would catch them.
Now my dad is lying in a hospital bed, half his body unable to move, and they are worried I might ruin Lina's ribbon cutting.
I say nothing and go home.
The second I walk in, the group chat lights up.
Group Fund Alert: Balance insufficient. Please make up the shortfall.
Then Noah tags me.
Noah: You make the most money, Jenna. Cover the $10,000 shortfall this month.
A second message follows.
Noah: Lina just opened a business. She's under a lot of pressure, so she's exempt for the next six months.
I read those two messages for a long time.
Then I open my bank records.
Six years of transfers.
My own payments.
Lina's missed payments.
Every time I covered for her.
I send the file into the chat.
Me: I have never used a cent from this fund. I won't use it in the future either.
Me: I'm out. And I want the $15,000 I covered for Lina back.
The chat goes quiet for two full minutes.
Then Lina sends a sad little cat sticker.
Lina: Jenna, I remember everything you paid for me.
Lina: Once the shop starts making money, I'll pay you back slowly. I promise.
Mason jumps in fast.
Mason: We're all friends. Why are you counting every dollar like this?
Ethan: Exactly. Lina is starting a business. Friends are supposed to help.
When my dad is short $18,000 for surgery, the emergency fund cannot be touched.
Now that I ask for my $15,000 back, suddenly friends are supposed to help.
Noah finally appears again.
Noah: Stop this.
Noah: Lina's shop just opened. It's burning cash right now. Why are you pressuring her?
Another fund reminder pops up.
Noah tags me again.
Noah: Cover the $10,000 this month.
Noah: Lina is exempt for six months.
