After My Ex's Deceit, I Found Love

After returning from the holidays, I was hit with the shocking news that my landlord wanted to raise the rent by $140.

Clutching my phone in frustration, I trembled slightly.

"Don't stress about it." My boyfriend, Kai, wrapped his arms around me and, with a quick fingerprint scan, paid half the increase. "I'll cover $70. This place is convenient for both of us, close to your work and mine."

I turned to explain, but caught sight of a new message notification in his pinned chat.

["Consider the extra rent as part of the engagement. She won't know the property's under your dad's name, anyway."]

It felt like I'd been hit with a sledgehammer—I froze.

To confirm my suspicions, I casually asked Kai about his mother's last name.

"Yasmin," he replied, puzzled. "Why do you ask?"

I remembered seeing the name 'Yasmin's Arrival' in the chat. It hit me that Kai and his mother had kept something from me.

Taking a deep breath, I said lightly, "Your mom sent me a Christmas gift. I thought of getting her a personalized bracelet in return. Funny, your mom and the landlord have the same last name. Maybe they're related?"

Kai's gaze flickered for a moment.

"Silly, lots of people have that last name. If the landlord was really related, why would they raise your rent?"

He quickly switched topics. "Sweetheart, if you want to get a bracelet for my mom, we'll need to check with her first; she's quite particular about these things."

As he spoke, he fiddled with his phone. After setting it down, he smiled at me.

"She says she loves anything from Tiffany's. Any style will do, as long as it's about an ounce."

I didn't respond. Instead, I got up to grab a cold can of Coke from the fridge, letting the chill seep through me. I looked at Kai and spoke with a cold tone:

"Do you know how much money was in the gift she sent me?"

Kai's brow furrowed.

Perfect. His untroubled expression confirmed he knew.

After dating for three years, I had visited his home for the first time over Christmas.

His mother had given me a gift—$0.80 in a card.

When I first discovered the amount, I didn't mention it to Kai. Not wanting it to affect our relationship, I rationalized that it must be a quirky tradition. The amount doesn't matter, it's the thought that counts.

She seemed thoughtful, being very warm and welcoming. During my visit, she introduced me to her family, praised me as pretty and well-mannered, and bragged about how lucky Kai was.

She even pushed for marriage in front of everyone, giving my stomach a lingering look and urging Kai to make an effort. I was embarrassed, yet secretly delighted. Her acceptance led me to seriously consider my future with Kai.

In a moment of impulsive excitement, I worked with a realtor to quietly buy the place I currently live in, using my savings for the down payment.

Kai seemed to love my two-bedroom apartment. More than once, he'd wrapped me in his arms, praising the natural light and convenient location, enthusiastically discussing how he'd arrange the interior. I thought he liked it here and imagined surprising him.

In retrospect, Kai's behavior was likely just a trick to get me to renew the lease. The rent had increased several times, each hike more outrageous than the last, until it was nearly double that of similar places. His pretense of sharing the cost was just his way of keeping me on the hook.

When I signed the purchase contract, I met a man named Kenneth who seemed familiar. I hadn't realized he also shared the same last name—something that initially slipped past me. I simply thought it a coincidence and was curious why my rent transfers went to someone named Yasmin rather than Kenneth, who held the title.

Kenneth hesitated before explaining, "Oh, a relative helps manage the property, so she collects the rent." His expression seemed thoughtful.

Not wanting to pry into their family business, I left it at that.

Since it was over the holidays, the title transfer wasn't immediate. Feeling awkward, I asked Kenneth if I'd still need to pay rent next month. He hesitated, then nodded, assuring me he'd discuss it with his relative.

I hadn't even finished savoring my excitement before I received the news of the rent increase. Kai had been quick to hold my hand and initiate the payment.

Yet, he still looked at me with seemingly genuine affection.

"What's the issue with the gift?" he asked, maintaining his earnest gaze.