Just a year ago, we were so happy.
But ever since Alex came back from overseas,
everything changed.
She became distant, constantly testing my
love.
She said I had to pass ninety–nine tests to
prove my love before we could marry.
<
Once, she made me go to Alex’s house in the
middle of the night for a “welcome home”
party. When I walked in, I got a face full of
flour.
Alex held the bowl, looking apologetic.
“Sorry, Michael, don’t be mad. Just trying to
spice things up.
“”
Sarah watched me, her eyes searching. Even
though I was furious, I shook my head and
said it was fine.
Alex winked at Sarah.
“He passed the test! He’s got a great temper,
no worries about domestic violence.”
Sarah seemed slightly relieved, but she didn’t
く
comfort me, covered in flour.
She just told me to clean up in the kitchen.
and then cook dinner for everyone with the
leftover ingredients.
I didn’t understand her obsession with these
tests, but I loved her, so I never complained.
I told myself things would go back to normal
once Alex left. I never imagined this.
I sat there for a long time before I finally
stood up.
After I arranged for my mom’s body to be
taken care of, I went to find Sarah. They were
having a party.
I just wanted to leave the island, bury my
L
mom, let her rest.
But on the way, people kept pointing their
phones at me.
They took pictures, whispered to each other.
I ignored them until someone stepped in front
of me, shoving a phone in my face.
“Dude, how much did you get for your mom’s
life? I’ll fake a heart attack in front of the
princess too.”
I grabbed the phone. Alex’s friends had
posted the video online.
The comments were brutal.
“Old lady’s a swim champion, can’t even
く
handle a beach? Right.”
“Probably cheated her way to the top.‘
99
“If I were Sarah, I’d be devastated. A gold-
digging mom and a manipulative fiancé,
probably faking it all to control the heiress.”
I pushed past him and found Alex.
“Alex, why are your friends spreading these
lies?”
“I don’t care what they say about me, but my
mom? Why drag her name through the mud after she’s gone?”
Alex swung his feet onto the table,
nonchalant.
<
“Isn’t it true? You can dish it out but can’t
take it?”
“Sarah’s lucky to even look at you, you broke
loser. We, her friends, have to protect her.
Who knows what your angle is.”
I crushed a glass in my hand, blood seeping
through my fingers, but I didn’t feel it.
Before I could say anything else, Sarah spoke.
“Michael, stop it. Alex is just looking out for
me.”
“We’re still getting married, it’s just a six-
month delay. Just apologize, and everything
can go back to normal.”
She had someone bring a first aid kit. She
<
took out some gauze, her face softening.
“Your hand…come here, let me take care of
it.”
I looked at her.
“You think I’m faking this too?”
Her silence was the answer.
I nodded, a bitter laugh escaping my lips.
“If that’s what you think of me, then we’re
done. Sarah, the wedding is off.”
I turned to leave, but Alex stopped me.
“Wait. Since you’re going, give back Sarah’s
ring.”
く
He pointed to the ring on my finger.
Sarah had it custom–made for me. Her
“tests” started six months ago, and they
never stopped.
I’d been through so much, almost given up.
But when I tried to break up with her, she
threw a tantrum, smashed things, stormed
out.
