Chapter 1

In the past, when my boyfriend was at his lowest point, he was drowning in debt and could barely afford to eat. It pained me deeply, so I worked tirelessly running a roadside stand to help him clear his debts.

One Christmas Eve, a sweet young pair visited my stand for some apple pies. They cheerfully wished my boyfriend and me a happy future together. I sent them off with a grin, contemplating closing early to give my boyfriend a surprise.

But as I glanced up, I spotted him—my boyfriend, who was supposed to be out on a delivery job—wandering through the shopping center with a charming, innocent-looking girl by his side.

They were uncomfortably close, with her clinging to his arm. "Rob," she said in a light, teasing tone, "when will you stop acting like you're completely broke?"

——

Suddenly, I realized they were heading straight for me.

As they approached, I noticed everything. Robin was decked out in luxury brands, and his demeanor exuded an air of wealth and sophistication. It was nothing like the struggling, hard-working guy I'd been supporting every day.

He barely acknowledged me, simply pointing at the most expensive apple pie on my stand and saying nonchalantly, "Ensure it's packaged properly."

I gazed at his face, scarcely able to believe what I was seeing.

'Why is my boyfriend, who should be out making deliveries, now shopping with another girl?'

'Why is he dressed in such expensive clothing?'

'Has he been deceiving me this whole time... or what?'

I pushed aside my doubts and lifted my gaze. I looked at him and forced a smile, casually inquiring, "Is this for your girlfriend?"

My words were muffled by my mask and somewhat unclear, but loud enough for both to hear.

I clenched my fist tightly, watching his face intently, not wanting to miss any change in his expression.

But I was mistaken.

Robin Greenberg maintained his usual composed demeanor as if nothing was amiss.

However, Caitline Goldsborough, the girl beside him, looked repulsed when she heard my question. She sneered and said, "No way, I don't want some cheap apple pie like this!"

Robin paused momentarily, then smiled as he patted her head. "Don't worry, this one's for Calliope. I'll have someone send you a box of imported apple pie later, okay?"

She clung tighter to his arm, tugging it as she asked him again in her saccharine voice. "I knew you were the best, Rob. But when are you going to tell Calliope the truth?"

"If you hadn't lost that silly truth-or-dare game, you wouldn't have had to pursue her in the first place. Now she won't leave you alone!"

"See? I told you those frugal girls are all the same. They're just after your money!"

Her words struck me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me stunned.

I lowered my head, and a tear fell from my eyes.

'After his money?'

'But over the past two years, I've probably spent at least 80 thousand on Robin, if not more.'

'If he's wealthy, then why on earth would he need to con me?'

I'd been living frugally, too afraid to even buy new clothes in case his creditors came after me again. I'd lived in constant fear, day after day.

Does he find it amusing, toying with me like this?

I feel like a fool, always checking on him, asking if he's alright, and he probably thinks it's hilarious.

I could feel the anger rising in my chest, the overwhelming desire to demand explanations.

But before I could speak, he continued.

"Look, I haven't told Calliope my true identity, so don't go spreading it around at school, alright?"

"Rob, don't tell me you've actually fallen for her?" Caitline teased.

He tensed for just a moment before smirking. "Relax. I'm just playing around with her. How could I ever be interested in a poor girl like her?"

And then, he looked at me, his gaze slightly inquisitive. "Hey, is it ready yet?"

I stared right at him, and all the questions I wanted to ask caught in my throat.