Tear the Check, Get the Hex Back

I held the check I just withdrew from the bank; the five million figure gleamed coldly at my fingertips. Over the past six months, I've almost emptied my savings to support my girlfriend, Miley Terry — all to break the so-called "Peach Blossom Hex." The Mystic said I had to purge this curse of bad luck by spending lavishly on a relationship. Last week, the Mystic said that the hex was lifted, so I can finally break up with Miley and go back to take over my family's business. I thought we could part on good terms; that five million would be compensation to end this ridiculous relationship. The private room door wasn't fully closed, and laughter leaked out through the crack. "Do you really think I was serious about Eugene?" Miley's voice was thick with blatant contempt: "That Mystic and the Peach Blossom Hex were all fabricated by me; I bribed him. He's just a dumb pig throwing money at me." A woman's approving voice came from nearby: "Miley, you're really something, playing him like a puppet." "Once he hands over the breakup check, I'll find someone richer." Miley's words hit me like a hammer, leaving my mind reeling. I clenched the check tightly and suddenly pushed the door open. When Miley saw me, her smile froze instantly, a flicker of panic flashing in her eyes. I didn't wait for her to speak; I tore the check to pieces and threw them right in front of her. "Eugene, are you crazy?" Miley stood up, her tone angry, but she didn't dare meet my eyes. "Miley!" I glared at her, my voice cold as ice, "I was going to give you five million in compensation, but now it's clear there's no point. It's completely over between us!" Miley's face flushed red, then went pale. She opened her mouth, but all she did was glare at me fiercely: "Eugene, don't regret this!" I ignored her and turned to leave the private room, hearing the sound of her smashing a cup behind me. A wave of relief surged through me.