Chapter 1 Leaving Me for Money

Max Holden worked part-time at an adult toy store to cover his expenses and college tuition. It was the third job keeping him from starvation. Despite despising it, he had no choice but to endure.

"Hey, you piece of trash. Fetch me something exciting for my new girl."

Max instantly recognized the voice-it belonged to Michael, the college's wealthy golden boy. He had a habit of calling Max over, only to humiliate him in front of the girls he flaunted, presenting himself as the charming and affluent prince.

Sometimes, Max considered quitting this degrading job. But he couldn't afford to-no one wanted to hire a poor boy like him.

Later that evening, standing outside a hotel suite, Max was overwhelmed with unease. He carried a bag containing Michael's requested items. His palms were sweaty, and his heart pounded like a drum. "Once again, he won't let me leave without humiliation. God knows what becomes of the girls who fall for him."

Yet, amid the dread, Max found solace in thinking about Lisa, his girlfriend. She was different-steadfast and loving. "In just a few days, I'll propose to Lisa. After all the love and understanding she's shown me, she's the one I want to spend my life with."

A small smile tugged at Max's lips. But as he stepped into the penthouse, intending to place the package on the table, a sound-a familiar, intimate moan-froze him in place.

In the dimly lit room, Max saw Lisa entangled in another man's arms. His breath hitched, and his vision blurred with disbelief. Lisa, dressed in nothing but a flimsy piece of fabric, was wrapped around Michael, her body moving in ways Max could never have imagined.

The sight sent waves of shock crashing through Max, leaving him speechless and paralyzed. His voice trembled as he stuttered, "Lisa... what-what's going on here?"

Lisa Monroe, her once affectionate eyes now cold and devoid of emotion, turned to face Max. Her voice dripped with icy disdain as she spoke, her words piercing like shards of glass. "Oh, Max Holden, can't you see? I've found someone who can give me the life I deserve-unlike you."

Max's voice quavered as he tried to grasp the betrayal unraveling before him. "But... but we had something special. Why would you do this?"

Lisa's bitter, mocking laugh sliced through him like a knife. It echoed in the dim room, a sound full of scorn. "Special?" she sneered. "Your idea of 'special' is slaving away at a dead-end job, barely scraping by. I deserve more, Max, and I won't settle for less."

The man holding her-Michael-grinned with smug arrogance, his expression dripping with malice. "Yeah, man, you're a joke. You can't even satisfy your own girl."

Michael's tone turned cutting, filled with mockery. "You should thank me, buddy. I'm giving her everything you never could: money, excitement, satisfaction."

Michael came from a family of global art collectors-a man of high society, exuding irresistible charm. His midnight-black hair rebelliously framed piercing blue eyes, while a shadow of stubble added to his rugged allure.

Lisa Monroe was drawn to him, torn between her pitiful, struggling boyfriend and the magnetic pull of Michael's wealth and power.

Max's shoulders slumped, his heart aching with every cruel word. He felt like a puppet in a vicious play, where the audience reveled in his humiliation.

Despair crept into his voice as he pleaded with her, "Lisa, I loved you. I wasn't a fool. We could have built something together. You don't have to leave me for money."

Lisa's eyes remained cold, her voice hollow as she replied, "Love? Don't be naive, Max. Love doesn't pay bills, and it certainly doesn't buy the lifestyle I want. Michael can give me everything I desire-gifts, accessories, even luxury cosmetics. Someone poor like you, juggling three jobs, will never meet my needs. You were holding me back, and I won't waste any more time pretending."

Max's heart sank further as the depth of her betrayal became clear. She had lied, claiming to love him while scheming to escape into a wealthier life. This wasn't just a betrayal-it was an assault on his trust, cutting deeper than any insult.

Lisa's words, like poisoned arrows, pierced his wounded heart. She accused him of financial inadequacy, reducing him to someone incapable of satisfying her materialistic desires.

"Look at you," Michael sneered, his voice dripping with derision. "You can't even take care of yourself, let alone think about dating someone."