I had dated Brandon for two years and loved him despite our different backgrounds — he was a wealthy dentist, I was a hairstylist. His family hosted an extravagant annual “Family Day,” and this was my first invitation. I saved for months to buy Brandon the PS5 he wanted, hoping to impress them.
At the event, Brandon’s gifts were jaw-dropping: a condo for his parents, a custom Mercedes for his brother, a Cartier ring for his sister. When it was my turn, Brandon handed me a tiny velvet box. Inside was a single penny. His sister sneered, “That’s what you really deserve!”
Humiliated, I realized I would never belong in their world of wealth and cruelty. I left without a word, knowing I deserved love for who I am — not what I can afford.