The Harsh Truth

Chapter Two: The Harsh Truth

Ali's heart was still pounding from the golden screen in front of him. The words shimmered in the air like something out of a dream—or a nightmare.

"[First Task: Break up with your girlfriend, Natasha.]

Reason: She has been cheating on you. Evidence will be provided.]"**

Ali's blood ran cold. Natasha? Cheating? That's impossible… right?

He felt a wave of nausea hit him. Natasha had been his girlfriend for almost a year. He had met her at community college, and though she came from a slightly better background than his, she had always acted as if money didn't matter to her.

But now, the system was telling him she had betrayed him?

"This is ridiculous," he muttered. "There's no way..."

But before he could dismiss it, the golden screen shifted, displaying something that made his stomach drop.

A series of pictures and messages appeared before his eyes—Natasha in a dimly lit restaurant, smiling across the table at another man. Her hand resting on his. Her lips meeting his in the corner of a street.

Ali's breath caught in his throat. What... the... hell?

Then came the messages:

"I can't wait to see you again, babe ❤️ Ali is just a joke. He tries so hard, it's pathetic."

"Ugh, he bought me these cheap earrings yesterday. I swear he thinks $50 is a fortune."

"I'm just with him for now because he pays for my stuff. You know how broke guys are—too desperate, too clingy. But soon, I'll leave him for good."

Ali felt his fingers tremble. His head buzzed with disbelief, rage, and humiliation all at once.

She had used him.

Even though he barely had money for himself, he had always paid for her meals, bought her little gifts, made sure she was never in need. Despite his own struggles, he had put her happiness above his own.

And in return?

She saw him as nothing. A joke. A temporary wallet she could use until someone richer came along.

And the worst part?

The man she had been cheating with was someone Ali knew—Ryan Carter.

Ryan was the complete opposite of Ali. He came from a wealthy family, drove a brand-new Mustang to college, and never had to work a single day in his life. He was the type of guy Ali had always despised—arrogant, entitled, treating money like a game.

And Natasha had chosen him over Ali.

Ali clenched his fists. He wanted to scream. He wanted to punch something.

"What will you do, Host?" the system's voice echoed in his mind.

Ali took a deep breath. His heart still ached, but now, there was something else inside him—determination.

He had wasted enough time.

Pulling out his phone, he typed a single message:

"I know everything. We're done. Lose my number."

Not even a minute later, his phone buzzed.

Natasha: "Wait, Ali, what are you talking about??"

Natasha: "Who told you that? Don't believe rumors, babe, you know I love you!"

Natasha: "Ali, please, let's talk!"

Ali stared at the messages with an eerie calmness. Just a few hours ago, he might have fallen for her lies.

But not anymore.

He turned off his phone and exhaled. It was over.

Just then, the golden screen flashed again.

[Ding! Task completed!]

[Congratulations! You have been rewarded with $2000.]

Ali's breath hitched. He reached into his pocket—and his fingers brushed against something.

Pulling it out, his eyes widened.

Twenty crisp $100 bills.

His heart raced. This is real.

For the first time in his life, he wasn't the one being played. This time, he was the one walking away.

And this? This was only the beginning.

For the first time in his life, Ali felt in control. If this was just the beginning… how rich could he become?