Chapter 1

After graduating from university, my dad transferred one million dollars to me to buy an Audi A8.

I was struggling with which color to choose when my boyfriend, James Anderson suddenly commanded, "Stop thinking about the car. Let's use that million for the down payment on our new home."

Worried that I might have objections, he added, "This is for our wedding preparations."

I didn't respond, but turned around and immediately ordered the top-spec Audi A8.

And by the way, I broke up with him.

On the day I graduated from university, my dad transferred one million dollars to me.

He left a note: [Congratulations on your graduation, my dear daughter. Use the money to buy an Audi A8 so it's easier for you to drive to work.]

I was overjoyed and sent several emojis, replying: [Dad! You'll always be my hero!]

[I'll do anything in the next life just to be your daughter again!]

James, curious about why I was smiling so happily at my phone, leaned over and casually asked, "What did your dad give you that has you so excited?"

Without noticing his change in expression, I showed him the balance on my phone and said, "My dad gave me one million dollars as a graduation gift so I can buy an A8 and drive to work."

He suddenly snatched my phone and examined the balance several times, his face turning serious. Sweat beads formed on his forehead.

His voice suddenly rose. "Your dad's crazy! How could a girl like you get one million dollars to buy a car?"

I was still immersed in my excitement over the new car and didn't notice how odd his response was. I showed him pictures of the car in black and white, asking, "Which one do you think looks better, black or white?"

To my surprise, he shot me an annoyed look and plopped down on the bed, playing with his phone as though I wasn't there. "Do you even know anything about cars? This car will be a waste for you."

His comment made me feel uncomfortable, so I retorted, "Who says only men are supposed to drive cars?"

He noticed my change in mood and realized that his words had been too harsh. He quickly stepped forward, pulled me into his arms, and gently comforted me. He said, "Baby, that's not what I meant. This car costs at least over a million dollars. Now that we've both graduated, wouldn't it be better to save that money for a house?"

As he spoke, he pulled up information on several new apartment complexes nearby.

I recognized them all as upscale developments, with down payments requiring over a million dollars.

James lightly shook my shoulders, planting a soft kiss on my forehead as he continued speaking softly, "A car is just a tool for getting around. The cheaper ones and the expensive ones aren't that different. But a house is something else. Remember, you've always talked about wanting a home with me. Why not use this money for the down payment?"

Gradually, my earlier excitement started to fade. I turned and looked at James quietly.

Noticing my silence, he pressed on, still trying to convince me.

"We've both graduated now. It's time to plan for our future. I want to give you a stable home."

As I listened to the way he spoke, as if he were thinking of me in every word, my mind felt unusually clear.

The first time I dated James, I knew his family wasn't wealthy, and I had never expected him to propose marriage or buy a house anytime soon.

I instinctively pulled away from his embrace and said in a flat tone, "But I don't want to buy a house, and I don't want to have the pressure of a mortgage either."

The place I worked was only a ten-minute drive from my parents' house, so honestly, there was no need to buy a house.

But James was persistent, continuing his suggestion in a tone that pretended to be for my benefit, "You can put the house in my name. I'll help you with the mortgage."

At that, I couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.

I had never met someone so shameless.

Forget that it was before marriage. He wanted to use my parents' money for the house down payment and then expect me to share the mortgage with him.

I pushed him away. "Do you think my parents can't afford to buy me a house?"

I thought, "If I ask, my parents will buy the house outright.

Why would I have to struggle with him to pay off a mortgage?"

James looked at me coldly, his eyebrows twitching slightly.

When we argued earlier, he had the same expression on his face.

Just when I thought he was about to lose it, he suddenly flashed a grin that didn't reach his eyes.

He tried to take my hand. "Baby, don't be mad. I'm doing this for you.

"I don't have a house. How could I possibly go to your family to ask for your hand?

"I just want to give you a stable home.

"Don't you dream of having a place where after work, we can cook together and watch TV? Isn't that the life you've always wanted?

"I just think it's more convenient if the house is in my name, and I'll be able to help you with the mortgage."

He kept trying to tempt me, but I outright rejected him, saying, "I don't want to buy a house."

Seeing that I wasn't budging, James couldn't hold back any longer. He snapped at me, "Natalie, what do you mean? It's just a house! What's the difference whether it's in my name or yours?

"I really didn't expect you to be this kind of person, arguing with me over something as small as a house!"

I gathered my things and turned to leave, but James followed me, asking me accusingly, "I've been with you for all these years, and now you're turning your back on me over a house? How materialistic can you be?

"It's just putting the house in my name, why are you so angry?"

He followed me all the way to the door. I couldn't help but ask him in return, "Then if you pay the down payment for the house, would you be willing to put it in my name?"

James almost instinctively retorted, "Am I crazy to buy you a house?"

I laughed in disbelief, "You're the crazy one, not me."