Chapter 2

I wiped my tears and threw a few things together. I hailed a ride and headed straight for the hospital.

On the way, my mind replayed every moment of our relationship.

When we started dating, Julian brainwashed me with the "50/50" ideology. He said it was the only way for two people to be truly equal.

I thought he was independent and progressive. I agreed to it.

We split every dinner, every movie, and every vacation.

My parents didn't like him at first. They saw he wasn't well-off and worried I would suffer.

But I was blinded by love. I insisted on being with him. Eventually, they gave in because they loved me.

When we got married, Julian insisted on a 50/50 wedding. No dowry, no gifts, and we split the ceremony costs.

My parents were uncomfortable, but they paid their half for my sake.

After the wedding, Julian took it to the extreme. Groceries, rent, utilities―everything was calculated to the cent.

I thought marriage meant compromise. I thought he would change once we built a life together.

But reality just slapped me in the face. He only ever loved himself.

I sprinted into the hospital, my heart in my throat. "Doctor, how is my mother?"

"You're the family? She had a sudden brain hemorrhage. It’s critical. She needs surgery immediately."

My hands shook as I signed the papers. I paid everything I had, but I was still $6,000 short for the surgical deposit.

I felt helpless. I had no choice but to call Julian again.

"Julian, my mom needs surgery right now. I need you to transfer me $6,000!"

"I told you, I'm not responsible for her medical bills."

The doctor stood in front of me, checking his watch. "Ma'am, we need the payment now. We can't wait any longer."

I was practically begging into the phone. "Just consider it a loan! Please! She needs the surgery now!"

"Fine," he said slowly. "But you have to write me an IOU."