Chapter 2

2

A bank card slipped out from between the torn paper.

Melody's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth to keep from gasping.

"You... what is this?"

I didn't answer. I leaned down, picked up the card, and tucked it into her palm.

"Since you love saving money so much, I put the gift budget into this account. There's thirty thousand in there. Now you don't have to make a trip to the bank."

The lightweight card seemed to weigh a ton in her hand. Remembering what she just said, she looked ashamed.

She started trembling with nerves.

"Honey, I was just emotional and said the wrong things. Please don't take it to heart."

"I don't really have anything to spend this on. Why don't you take it back?"

She made a half-hearted gesture to return it. I wasn't an idiot; I could tell the difference between sincerity and a test.

"Didn't you say you wanted to buy me a car? I trust you with this money. Keep it."

After a bit more back-and-forth, she stopped refusing. Her aggressive face transformed into one of sweet affection.

"Oh, darling... I've been saving for so long. I'm sure I'll reach our goal soon, hehe."

She grinned so wide her face almost split. She happily carried the card back to the bedroom.

Just as I expected, she took the bait easily.

The next afternoon, Melody dressed up beautifully. She was clearly preparing to go out.

"Honey, it's my best friend's birthday in a few days. I might use that card to buy her a gift. Just letting you know."

"You'll probably get the text alerts on your phone, right?"

Buying that car must have drained her secret stash. Now, she was already eyeing the new card.

I sipped my tea, pretending not to care.

"I figured the card was for you anyway, so I didn't set up the alerts. No need for the hassle. Use it however you want."

Her smile brightened even more at that answer. She gave me a quick peck on the cheek and hurried out the door.

Of course, I lied to her. I knew exactly where every cent went the moment it was spent.

Shortly after she left, my phone buzzed with a notification for a five-thousand-dollar purchase.

I wasn't surprised. Melody only had one close friend, and they usually exchanged gifts worth a few hundred at most.

She would never be stupid enough to lose money on a friend like that.