The city was everything I’d dreamed of—bright, bold, and teeming with opportunities to grow my architectural knowledge. My apartment was no less stunning: high ceilings, grand windows, and a sleek, modern design that immediately captivated me. It felt too luxurious to be real, a sharp contrast to the financial compromises I’d made, like agreeing to live with a stranger to split the rent.

But as I stepped into the living room, my awe evaporated, replaced by a jolt of disbelief. There, sitting on the couch with his usual composed demeanor, was my ex—the guy who always seemed too well-off to worry about things like rent. He glanced up, his expression calm but unreadable. “You’re here earlier than I expected,” he said simply.