When Love Became A Transaction

tudent, the one who always had his notes in order and a clear five-year plan. Olivia was a whi

ne wanted to be or be with. Their relationship was a public spectacle, full of grand romantic gestur

s the one who listened to her cry, who brought her soup when she was sick, who helped her study for

to study abroad and didn't look back. Olivia was

comfortable. It was safe. I loved her with a desperate, all-consuming devotion, and I think, in her

e finding her passion. I was happy to support her. I wanted to give her everything Liam never could: stability, security, a peaceful life. I bought

couldn't give

resigned. We went through round after round of fertility treatments. It was invasive, expensive, and emotionally draining. I worked overtime, taking on extra projects

ivia and spun her around the living room, promising our child the world. For the first time, I saw a genuine, uncomplicated spark

r every whim, thrilled by her cravings and her chan

iam ca

uely defined tech venture. Olivia became instantly, obsessively interested. She w

hat he's doing so

eah, that's great, honey," I' d reply, a

e just old friends. I chose to believe her. I was so focused on the baby, on our perfect future, that I refused to see the cracks fo

me. She wasn't rekindling a friendship. She was reporting for duty. Her true commander had returned, and I was just the guy paying for the house she lived

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