In front of the hotel's lavish gates, Liam stepped out of the car, a picture of elegance in his tailored suit, holding a bouquet of flowers. His smile was radiant, as it always was—how could he not be charming? After all, he was the man I loved.

I had distanced myself from my family for him, even sacrificing the high-limit credit card my parents had provided. Yet, despite the financial setback, I felt a profound joy, convinced that I had found my true love. Money seemed insignificant in the face of our future together.

I juggled multiple jobs each day, laboring tirelessly to build a life with him. But after working so hard for a meager three hundred dollars, he was preparing to announce his engagement to another woman on his birthday.

How cruelly ironic!