The Ex Effect — Charlotte's Five Hundred Dollar Bet

But the day before our first in-person meeting, he failed to show up with Instead, he gambles me away to someone else. It does not take long for another bet to pop up in the group chat. Derek's the first to place his bet of two grand.

There's no way she'll show up. She's a scaredy cat who starts crying at the slightest bit of criticism. So, he actually knows it would make me cry. Yet, he still rounded up over a hundred people to make me the laughing stock.

Just then, Brianna, the undisputed belle of the freshman class, tags me in the group Stop it, guys. There's nothing wrong with being a little plump, as long as they have a kind heart. You'll be there tomorrow evening, right, Charlotte?

No one means any harm. There is no need to feel insecure because of your looks. She's so sweet. The group chat instantly fills with comments about her being a gorgeous and kind-hearted

It's almost as if I, the one being humiliated, should even thank her for saving me some Nevertheless, I don't explain myself, nor do I send a recent photo of myself. I simply tap on the poll and place my wager of $500, betting that I will show up right on time. The group chat goes quiet for a couple of seconds before being flooded with question

Derek DMs me immediately. Are you mad? Are you actually going to show up despite their horrid comments? I look up at the mirror. I've dropped from 220 pounds to 110 over the past year. Unbeknownst to Derek, my original plan was to surprise him with my current self when we finally met in person.