been together. Seven years of him "testing" me. He never bought me gifts. Never paid for my coffee. Even when we grab

uilding his startup, he said. Money was tight. I understood. I was a community college studen

something crucial. It cost $2000. Insurance wouldn't cover it fast enough. I'd called ever

as my l

e split the rent on, fifty-fifty, down to the penny for u

la

t look u

o this test. It's urgent." My voice shoo

d up, his expres

on, "but I'm desperate. I'll pay you back, every cent

epled. That calm, appraising look he got

his. This whole journey, it's about building somethi

bout a fancy dinner or a weekend trip. T

ounter, poured himself a glass of water. "But the test, Em. It's still ong

he word out. "You think your 'test

on sound he made when

ng you're strong enough to handle things. If I step in now, w

I'd loved, supported, bel

help." It was

"I think you'll find a w

k to his lapt

ng clarity. This wasn't about principles. Thi

$2000 felt like a million miles away.