Chapter 1

My girlfriend wanted to buy a handbag, so I joked, "My family's gone bankrupt."

She froze for a few seconds, then flew into a rage. "This is so annoying! Why go bankrupt now, of all times? I told everyone I'd bring it to the class reunion tomorrow and give them all an eyeful."

She turned and went into the bedroom.

I was stunned. I never expected her to react like this, and I wanted to talk it over with her.

But then I overheard her on the phone in the bedroom, venting to her best friend. "I put on this act for so long just to marry into money, and now Zane Gilbert goes and goes bankrupt."

"I'm already thinking about breaking up with him."

I shook my head and gave a self-mocking laugh.

So it turns out the woman I love only loves my money.

...

I had no interest in hearing anything more Eva had to say, so I turned around, sat back down on the sofa, and called my dad.

"Dad."

"Tell Mom the wedding's off. There's no need to send invitations to the relatives and friends."

Dad was taken aback.

"Why?"

"I don't think Eva loves me."

Not long after I hung up, Eva came out of the bedroom, shot me a cold glance, and said, "Let's go. It's my dad's birthday."

Looking at the heavy disdain in her eyes, I felt conflicted.

Back when I was in a car accident, it was Eva who pulled me out of the car and got me to the hospital.

So I'd always remembered that kindness.

After we got together, I gave in to her almost every whim. Whatever designer bag or jewelry she wanted, I bought it for her.

I paid off millions in gambling debts for her father.

She went from cold water and plain bread rolls to living in a villa and driving a luxury car, and through it all she never stopped being gentle.

She always said she'd love me no matter what.

Only today was her attitude different.

As if this was the real her.

I'd just reached the restaurant entrance when Eva's younger brother, Terence Henson, came rushing over to greet me with a grin.

"Brother-in-law."

"Everyone's waiting for you. Let me tell you, somebody tried to court my sister before, and I chewed him out until he ran off."

"In my heart, rich or poor, you're the only brother-in-law I'll ever claim!"

Hearing that, I figured I hadn't doted on my future brother-in-law for nothing.

Then Terence slung an arm around my shoulder and went on, "Brother-in-law, I want to get a new computer."

"Forget it, he's already broke."

Eva said it with a touch of disdain.

"What?"

Terence went blank for a second, then whipped around to stare hard at me, wanting confirmation. "Is that true?"

"Yeah."

I nodded.

"You can't even afford a computer now?"

Terence looked at me again, his brows knitting.

I nodded again.

At that, Terence's face went dark, and he actually shoved me away, muttering in disappointment, "I should've had you buy it for me last month."

A chill went through me.

Over the past few years, Terence had gone through countless gadgets and pairs of luxury sneakers, and plenty of sports cars.

I paid for all of it.

He called me "brother-in-law" at every turn, but the moment he heard I was broke, he didn't spare a shred of feeling.

He didn't even ask why. Instead, he shoved me aside, caring about nothing but his new computer.

Just as I thought.

Hard times reveal a person's true heart.

Buzz, buzz!

Right then, Eva's phone vibrated. It was a call from her father.

"Has my dear son-in-law arrived yet?"

"Just got here."

"Come on up, everyone's waiting for him. Nobody dares pick up their chopsticks until he shows."