Chapter 1

As I was about to sign the papers and pay the $200,000 down payment for our future house, my girlfriend suddenly stared at the realtor.

"Only my name goes on the deed and the purchase agreement," she said.

I froze, thinking I had misheard her.

"Chloe, this is two hundred thousand dollars. My parents sold their old house just to scrape this together. We can't even put both our names on it?"

Chloe’s face instantly turned cold.

"Ethan, are you seriously keeping score with me right now?"

"I gave you the best years of my youth. I’m just asking for this house to give me some security. Is that too much to ask?"

Seeing other home buyers whispering and looking at us, I quickly lowered my voice to soothe her.

"It’s not about keeping score. Having both our names is just the legal way to protect our marriage."

Chloe sneered. "Don't talk to me about the law. I only care about your attitude!"

"My bestie's husband bought a house in full cash and only put her name on it. Why is it so hard for you when it’s just a down payment?"

"Ethan, if your name is on this deed today, the wedding is off!"

She turned to leave.

My chest tightened. We were so close to getting married. If things fell apart now, I wouldn't know how to face my parents.

"Fine! We'll write only your name!"

I gritted my teeth and called her back.

Chloe stopped. Her frown instantly turned into a beaming smile. She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me.

"You’re the best, babe! I knew you loved me the most!"

But I never expected that very night, she would give me the lesson of a lifetime.