Chapter 3
Lying exhausted on the bed, after mulling it over, I still decided to call my mom and tell her about today’s situation.
I felt very confused: “Mom, do you think using an iPhone is really being vain?”
n the other end of the phone, mom was silent for a moment, then spoke with a serious
tone:
“Molly, true love can indeed cross class boundaries, but being well–matched is also very important. A phone worth ten thousand dollars might not be much for our family, but what about for Ivan? If you still decide to be with him, you must be prepared for a downgrade in your lifestyle.”
“Moreover, you’re just dating now, he shouldn’t interfere so much. And I don’t agree with what he said about his other colleagues using iPhones and dressing up flashily.”
“It’s your own money, spend it how you like.”
“The money dad and I give you is meant to help you live a better life. Our family doesn’t need you to scrimp and save, sacrificing yourself.”
After hanging up the phone, I felt tears welling up.
Actually, what my mom said was true. My mom alone owns two restaurants and a small supermarket, while my dad started his own business and his company is quite well–known locally.
The monthly allowance they give me, I can’t even spend it all.
As for Ivan, both his parents are ordinary workers.
I’ve never held his family background against him, but he can’t drag my consumption down to his level just because his family situation is average.
After thinking it over and over, I finally decided to break up with Ivan.
But we work in the same company and are known as the model couple. If I suddenly bring
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A Losing Game of Love
Chaptay 3
up breaking up now, firstly I’m afraid it will affect work, and secondly I don’t know what colleagues will gossip about
Moreover, Ivan has always behaved quite properly at the company. Without a compelling
I’m afraid it would end badly for both of us.
reason,
I can only bide my time and plan my next move.
Ivan didn’t know what I was thinking. The next morning he cheerfully bought me breakfast
ad asked me to go for a walk.
While eating, he kept hinting that his only pair of designer leather shoes had come unglued, and he had an important client meeting tomorrow.
Of course I knew what Ivan was hinting at, but I deliberately played dumb.
Ivan seemed a bit unhappy, a calculating gleam in his eyes. Then, feigning intimacy, he held my hand and said:
“Baby, we’ve been together for so long now. For the sake of our future marriage, how about
we pool our money and save it together?”
“I originally wanted to put all the money with you, but girls, you know, always can’t control your urge to shop. So I feel it would be better to keep it with me.”
“When you need something, just ask me. As long as I approve it’s no problem, I’ll transfer it to you. What do you think?”
The bread in my mouth nearly choked me.
His scheme was as subtle as a sledgehammer!
I let go of Ivan’s hand, and even the bun in my hand lost its appeal: “Why do I need your approval to use my own money?”
To my surprise, Ivan was even angrier than me: “It’s because you have no concept of budgeting. You casually buy an iPhone for two thousand, if you thought about our future at all, you wouldn’t do this.”
I was speechless and didn’t want to say more to him.
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A Losing Game of Love
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Chapter 3
Just as I was about to turn and leave, Ivan suddenly scooped me up in his arms.
We were in a small park with a man–made lake nearby. Though not very big, for someone like me who can’t swim, falling in would be disastrous for me.
Ivan knew I was afraid of water, and deliberately extended his whole arm, suspending me
over the water surface.
I clung to his arm for dear life.
Looking at the water below, I felt dizzy and could only compromise:
“You… you put me down first, we can talk about anything.”
After putting me down, Ivan said smugly: “See? I could have thrown you into the water, but
I didn’t. It shows I can hurt you anytime if I want to.”
“But I won’t easily hurt you. Now you see how good I am to you, can you trust me with your
savings?”
I took two steps back to make sure I was a safe distance from the lake, then kicked Ivan
hard in the crotch.
Seeing him kneeling on the ground, face contorted in pain, I felt a surge of secret
satisfaction. But I still put on an act of being bullied and upset by him as I ran away.
