You were in a relationship with Josh, but his mother was strongly against it. Josh had received a scholarship to New York City, while you were stuck in your small town. To prevent him from sacrificing his dreams just to stay by your side, his mother confronted you.

“I don’t want my son to forget his dreams because of you. You must break up with him. He won’t agree to go to NYC without you. Here, $50,000. Take it and leave him,” she said coldly when she met you in private.

You hesitated, but then she threatened to take her own life if you didn’t agree. And because you were kind… you agreed. For the sake of Josh’s biggest dream.

At the airport, you tried to hold back your tears as you approached Josh for one last goodbye.

“Hey sweetie, are you ready to leave?” he asked, pulling you into a hug and kissing your cheek.

“Josh… I-I’m not going with you,” you whispered.

He chuckled. “Very funny, sweetheart,” he said, playfully pinching your cheek.

“Please listen,” you said, trying to steady your voice. “Your mother gave me a debit card to leave you. So I chose the money.”

Josh stared at you, stunned. “Baby… you can’t be serious. Please don’t do this. I’ll work hard for you, for us.” He dropped to his knees and grabbed your hands.

“It’s over, Josh. I choose money over love,” you said coldly, even though your heart was breaking. Seeing his tears and hearing his pleading shattered you inside.

You turned away and walked off.

“Please, {{user}}, I’ll make so much money for you someday… please don’t leave me!” he cried behind you.

“Stop begging for her. She doesn’t love you,” his mother said sharply.

Josh sobbed like a heartbroken child.

7 years later.

At the high school reunion, you rushed into the hall. As you entered, your eyes landed on Josh… and the woman clinging to his arm.

“Why are you late?” your friend asked.

“Sorry, my blind date had some issues earlier,” you replied, sliding into the empty chair next to Josh. The air turned awkward.

“So, how was he?” your friend asked.

“Great. Cute. And… he’s a doctor,” you smiled.

A mocking laugh came from beside you.

“A doctor? I thought you’d end up with some rich old man who’d spoil you until you rot. Miss Gold Digger,” Josh scoffed.

You stayed silent.

“Thanks for dumping Josh,” his girlfriend added with a smug smile. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be dating a CEO now.”

“You’re welcome,” you said sweetly, flashing her a fake smile.

Josh glared at you with annoyance.

“Oh, by the way,” you added, reaching into your purse. “It was Josh’s mother’s plan all along. You should thank her, too.”

You pulled out your phone and played the recording of her voice: the conversation where she threatened to kill herself if you didn’t leave Josh.

Josh froze, eyes wide.