Chapter 1

During the first month of our relationship, my girlfriend was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her therapy sessions cost ten thousand dollars each month. I sacrificed my rest, working tirelessly washing cars and delivering takeout, just to support her in battling her illness. But then, while working a car wash job that paid a thousand dollars, I saw the door of a Ferrari open. My girlfriend, who was supposed to be at therapy, stepped out, looking shocked when our eyes met.

"Donna? What are you doing here?" I took a step back, staring at the red Ferrari in front of me, feeling disoriented. Despite the bright lights of the store, it was as if I had been plunged into darkness. I'd never even touched a luxury car like this before.

"Dan, please listen to me," Donna said, grabbing my hand anxiously. "I left late this afternoon... I took an Uber because I wouldn't make it to the hospital in time." Normally, when she pleaded like this, I'd relent. But not now.

I looked at her outfit. The purple silk dress she wore looked expensive, like it was made just for her. I glanced at the nearby red Ferrari and smirked inwardly. Who uses a luxury car for Uber rides?

Unable to muster the strength to argue, I looked at Donna, my hands falling to my sides helplessly. "Is this amusing to you, Donna? A young lady who spends a thousand dollars on a car wash, pretending to be poor around me, and won't even buy a pack of sanitary pads?" My chest tightened, a wave of bitterness washed over me as memories surfaced, causing my heart to ache. "You really fooled me. A thousand dollars! I have to wash eighty-five cars and work an entire week to earn that much."

The most absurd part was that before work, I had prepared a surprise for Donna. I had just received my paycheck last night and bought a silver ring with tiny diamonds because every time we passed the jewelry store, she'd gaze at it longingly. I never imagined that the cost of washing her car would surpass the price of that ring.