Love is a scam

My life as a rising star in software development was predictable, good.

Then the Affinity Gauge appeared, numbers hovering above everyone's heads, revealing their true feelings for me.

My college sweetheart, Chloe, charming and affectionate, always told me how much she leaned on me, especially after her wealthy adopted family found their biological daughter.

I poured thousands into "her foster mother's medical bills" and "her childhood friend's 'vocational' tuition," believing it was all for our future, our marriage.

Despite my love, her Affinity Gauge stubbornly read a stark, unbelievable 0.

I told myself it was a glitch, until I overheard her in a cafe.

"That five thousand Ethan gave me barely covered Mrs. Gable's retainer for the month's act!" she'd hissed.

Her friend, Liam, added, "We need to push for the big one, the six-figure investment, then you dump him."

My world tilted, the 0 above her head blazing into terrifying clarity.