I Told My Date about My Specific 3-Year-Rule, but He Immediately Left and Blocked Me – Is It Really That Weird?

Addison’s life revolves around her demanding job as a neurologist, leaving little time for romance. When her cheerful coworker Nathan sets her up on a blind date with a seemingly perfect guy named Jake, she finally feels a spark of hope. However, after Addison shares her three-year dating rule, her date abruptly leaves. What went wrong?

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I always thought my life would stay the same.

Day in and day out, the hospital consumed all my time.

A smiling young doctor | Source: Midjourney

A smiling young doctor | Source: Midjourney

My name is Addison, and I work as a neurologist. My days are filled with patients, charts, and endless rounds.

It’s a fulfilling job, but it leaves little room for anything else, especially dating.

A busy young woman | Source: Midjourney

A busy young woman | Source: Midjourney

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One day, while grabbing a quick coffee in the break room, my coworker Nathan walked in with a bright smile on his face.

Nathan is always in a good mood, no matter how stressful the day gets.

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

“Hey, Addison,” Nathan said, leaning against the counter. “How do you feel about blind dates?”

I laughed, almost spilling my coffee. “Blind dates? Nathan, you know my schedule. I barely have time to eat, let alone date.”

Two professionals laughing and chatting | Source: Midjourney

Two professionals laughing and chatting | Source: Midjourney

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Nathan chuckled. “I know, but hear me out. My friend Jake is a great guy. He’s kind, funny, and I think you two would hit it off. What do you say?”

I paused, considering it. I hadn’t been on a date in ages, and the idea of meeting someone new was intriguing. Plus, Nathan seemed genuinely excited about it.

A couple enjoying drinks | Source: Pexels

A couple enjoying drinks | Source: Pexels

“Okay, then,” I said, smiling. “You’ve convinced me. When’s this magical date happening?”

Nathan’s face lit up. “Really?? How about next Tuesday night? It’s the only evening that works for both of you!”

A doctor with his arms crossed | Source: Midjourney

A doctor with his arms crossed | Source: Midjourney

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Next Tuesday. I mentally checked my calendar. It was one of the rare nights I didn’t have a late shift or any other commitments.

“Next Tuesday works for me,” I said. “Let’s do it.”

A female doctor talking to a male doctor | Source: Midjourney

A female doctor talking to a male doctor | Source: Midjourney

Nathan grinned. “Great! I’ll set it up and text you the details. You won’t regret this, Addison,” he said with a wink.

“We’ll see that,” I laughed and finished my coffee quickly.

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

A smiling doctor | Source: Midjourney

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As I walked back to my office, I felt both excited and nervous. It had been so long since I had gone on a date.

My life had become a routine of work and more work, with little time for anything else. But maybe this was what I needed — a chance to step out of my comfort zone.

A doctor lost in her work | Source: Midjourney

A doctor lost in her work | Source: Midjourney

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of patient consultations and medical charts. But in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the upcoming date. Maybe, just maybe, this blind date with Jake would be the start of something new.

On Tuesday night, I arrived at the quaint restaurant Nathan had suggested.

Inside a restaurant | Source: Freepik

Inside a restaurant | Source: Freepik

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It was cozy, with dim lighting and a warm ambiance that immediately put me at ease. As I walked in, I spotted a man sitting at a table near the window.

He looked up, smiled, and waved me over.

This must be Jake, I thought to myself.

A smiling man at a table | Source: Midjourney

A smiling man at a table | Source: Midjourney

“Addison?” he asked as I approached the table.

“Yes, and you must be Jake,” I replied with a smile.

A couple on a date | Source: Freepik

A couple on a date | Source: Freepik

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We shook hands, and I took a seat. Almost immediately, the waitress came over to take our drink orders.

“I’ll have a glass of red wine, please,” I said.

“I’ll have the same,” Jake added.

Two people enjoying wine | Source: Freepik

Two people enjoying wine | Source: Freepik

As the waitress left, we started chatting. Jake was easy to talk to, and I felt my initial nervousness melt away.

“So, Nathan tells me you’re a neurologist,” he said, looking genuinely interested. “That must be a challenging job.”

A couple lost in each other's eyes | Source: Freepik

A couple lost in each other’s eyes | Source: Freepik

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“It is,” I nodded. “But I love it. What about you? What do you do?”

“I’m a graphic designer,” Jake replied. “I work freelance, so my schedule is pretty flexible. It’s a lot of fun, especially when I get to work on creative projects.”

A person working on their laptop | Source: Pexels

A person working on their laptop | Source: Pexels

Our drinks arrived, and we ordered appetizers — stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta. As we nibbled on the delicious food, we continued to talk about our lives, hobbies, and interests.

“I love hiking and photography,” Jake said, taking a sip of his wine. “There’s something about being in nature that’s so refreshing.”

A male photographer | Source: Pexels

A male photographer | Source: Pexels

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“I’ve always wanted to get into photography,” I said. “But I never seem to find the time. Maybe you could give me some tips?”

“I’d love to,” Jake said with a smile. “It’s all about finding the right light and angle.”

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels

A woman with a camera | Source: Pexels

As the evening went on, I found myself more and more charmed by Jake. He was kind, funny, and easy to talk to.

We laughed a lot, and it felt like I had known him for much longer than just one evening.

A cozy couple | Source: Freepik

A cozy couple | Source: Freepik

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As we moved on to our main course, Jake looked at me with a smile. “So, Addison, how about we ask each other some more personal questions to break the ice further?”

“Sure, that sounds good,” I said. “What do you want to know?”

Food | Source: Unsplash

Food | Source: Unsplash

Jake leaned in slightly. “How about your one-to-five-year plan? What are your goals?”

I took a moment to think. “Well, I hope to advance in my career as a neurologist,” I began.

A woman staring at her man | Source: Freepik

A woman staring at her man | Source: Freepik

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“Maybe get promoted to a senior position. I also want to decorate my apartment; it feels too plain right now,” I continued. “I’ve been thinking about getting a pet, maybe a cat or a small dog. And I’d love to travel more, see new places, and experience different cultures. Oh, and I want to expand my bookshelf with my favorite novels. I love reading!”

Pile of books and cup on top | Source: Unsplash

Pile of books and cup on top | Source: Unsplash

“That sounds wonderful. You have a lot of exciting plans!” he grinned.

“What about you?” I asked, curious to hear about his future plans.

“I want to grow my freelance business,” Jake said. “Maybe open my own studio one day. I also love traveling, so I’d like to visit more countries. And, believe it or not, I’ve been thinking about getting a pet too. A dog, probably.”

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A dog | Source: Unsplash

A dog | Source: Unsplash

We laughed at the coincidence, and it felt nice to find common ground!

“So, how do you feel about marriage and family?” Jake further asked as he sipped his wine.

And this is where it all went horribly wrong.

A family | Source: Unsplash

A family | Source: Unsplash

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“Honestly, I’d love to find a partner to share my life with,” I told him, “someone who understands and supports me. But marriage isn’t a necessity for me. If it happens, great, but if not, that’s okay too. As for children, I don’t see myself having any. For now. I’m happy with my career and personal goals.”

Jake leaned forward, looking serious. “What if you found the perfect guy? How long before you’d marry him?”

Two people smiling at each other and standing close | Source: Freepik

Two people smiling at each other and standing close | Source: Freepik

“Three years,” I said. “I believe in building a strong foundation. Six months to really get to know someone, a year of serious dating, and a year and a half of living together before considering engagement or marriage.”

Jake’s face changed, his friendly expression replaced by a frown. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Three years? That’s a long time. What if someone wants a quicker timeline?”

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An upset man | Source: Midjourney

An upset man | Source: Midjourney

I felt a knot forming in my stomach. “Well, uh, I think it’s important to take time to build a strong relationship. I’m pretty confident about my three-year-plan.”

Jake’s frown deepened, and he abruptly called the waitress. “Check, please,” he said curtly. She looked confused but quickly brought the bill.

A waitress | Source: Pexels

A waitress | Source: Pexels

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“Jake, what’s wrong?” I asked as he stood up, but he didn’t bother to answer. He paid and walked out of the restaurant without a glance back.

I sat there, stunned and hurt. What just happened?

Later, at home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the evening.

A woman staring at her reflection | Source: Pexels

A woman staring at her reflection | Source: Pexels

How could Jake just leave like that?

Deciding I needed answers, I messaged him.

I sent a selfie we took together and wrote, “Hey Jake, why did you leave so suddenly? I thought we were having a great time.”

A woman using her phone | Source: Unsplash

A woman using her phone | Source: Unsplash

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A few minutes later, his reply came: “Don’t contact me again. You’re indecisive and not serious about what you want.”

Then, he blocked me.

I stared at my phone in disbelief. Was I really that off base?

The next day at work, I noticed Nathan giving me strange glances. Gathering my courage, I decided to confront him.

A man holding a phone in his hands | Source: Unsplash

A man holding a phone in his hands | Source: Unsplash

“Nathan, what did Jake tell you? You know why he left, don’t you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Nathan looked uncomfortable and shifted on his feet. “You messed it up, Addy,” he said. “Jake… told me you were wasting his time. He wanted something serious. He was looking for marriage, and you… you weren’t the best person for him. Sorry, I gotta go.”

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A sad doc | Source: Midjourney

A sad doc | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t believe it.

During my lunch break, I called my best friend, Sophie.

“Hey, Addison. How did the date go?” was the first thing she asked.

A cheerful woman on video call | Source: Pexels

A cheerful woman on video call | Source: Pexels

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I sighed, feeling the weight of the evening pressing on me. “It started great, but then it ended terribly. Jake left abruptly after I talked about my three-year plan, and then he blocked me when I asked him why.”

Sophie’s eyes widened. “He did what? That’s ridiculous! What exactly happened?”

A sad young doctor | Source: Midjourney

A sad young doctor | Source: Midjourney

I recounted every detail, my voice trembling slightly as I relived the evening. When I finished, Sophie shook her head. “Addison, being honest about your expectations is important. If he couldn’t handle that, it’s his loss.”

“I can’t stop wondering if my three-year rule is really that strange, Sophie,” I admitted, my voice breaking a bit.

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An anxious doctor | Source: Midjourney

An anxious doctor | Source: Midjourney

“Not at all,” Sophie said firmly. “Everyone has their own timeline and needs. What matters is that you stay true to yourself. If he couldn’t appreciate that, he wasn’t the right guy for you.”

Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. But it didn’t ease all my worries. Was I wrong to be upfront about my expectations? Should I have kept it to myself? All I know is that being honest about what I want is important, even if it means losing a date like Jake.

A doctor focused on her work | Source: Midjourney

A doctor focused on her work | Source: Midjourney

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What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one: Julia is excited to surprise her husband on his birthday, but everything changes when she hears an unexpected voice. Hiding in the living room, her heart pounds as her husband’s laughter mingles with another woman’s. What will Julia uncover?

A couple | Source: Unsplash

A couple | Source: Unsplash

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

My Husband Called to Say His ‘Poor Mom’ Was in Trouble and Needed to Stay with Us for a While – Then She Walked Out of a Black Bentley with a Luxury Bag

What do you do when your husband’s “broke” mom rolls up in a Bentley, dripping in designer labels, and declares she’s moving in? I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or scream — but let me tell you, I should’ve braced myself for the chaos that followed.

Have you ever opened your door to someone claiming to be broke, only for them to show up dripping in designer labels? Because when my husband’s “poor mom” walked out of a Bentley holding a Chanel tote, I knew I was in for the ride of my life.

It all started with a phone call one afternoon

“Hey, babe,” Dan said, his voice unusually strained, the kind of tone that instantly told me something was wrong.

“What’s up?” I asked, already bracing myself.

He hesitated for a moment, then let out a long sigh. “I just got off the phone with Mom. She’s… uh… having a really hard time right now. She lost her place and doesn’t have anywhere to go. I told her she could stay with us for a while.”

I nearly dropped my fork. “Wait. What? YOUR MOM IS BROKE??”

Dan’s voice softened, like he was trying to cushion the blow. “Yeah. She didn’t want to tell me at first, but apparently, she’s been struggling with money for a while. She’s embarrassed, Layla. And she wants to move in with us.”

I sat back in my chair, my sandwich suddenly unappetizing. “Irene? Struggling with money?” I asked, my words dripping with disbelief. “Dan, we’re talking about the same Irene who bought a $500 scarf because, what was it, she ‘needed something to brighten her mood’? That Irene is… BROKE?!”

He groaned. “I know it’s hard to believe, okay? But people go through tough times. She’s still human, Layla.”

I wasn’t buying it. “Did she even tell you what happened?” I asked.

“No. She didn’t want to get into it. She sounded upset. Look, I know she’s not your favorite person, but she’s my mom. I can’t just leave her out in the cold.”

I rubbed my temples, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “Dan, I’m not saying we shouldn’t help her, but don’t you think this is all a little… sudden? How do you go from flaunting Louis Vuitton bags on Instagram to being homeless overnight?”

“She’s too proud to admit how bad things are,” he said, the frustration in his voice bubbling to the surface. “Layla, she’s my mom. What was I supposed to do… tell her no?”

I sighed, torn between suspicion and guilt. Dan wasn’t wrong. Irene and I didn’t exactly have a warm and fuzzy relationship. But she was his mom. What could I say?

“Okay,” I said reluctantly. “She can stay in the guest room. But, Dan…”

“What?” he asked, a hint of impatience in his tone.

“Just… promise me you’ll keep your eyes open. Something about this doesn’t feel right. And it’s just a temporary arrangement, alright?”

He let out another sigh, softer this time. “Thank you,” he said. “I know this means a lot to her. And to me.”

“Yeah,” I muttered, glancing at the clock. “I just hope we’re not opening Pandora’s box.”

Dan chuckled nervously, but neither of us really laughed.

As I hung up the phone, something about the whole situation didn’t sit right with me. And I had a feeling I wasn’t wrong.

The next day, Irene arrived. And let me tell you — if there was ever a way to scream NOT STRUGGLING, she nailed it.

I heard the rumble of a car pulling into our driveway and glanced out the window, expecting to see a cab or maybe an Uber. Instead, a sleek black Bentley rolled in like it was gliding on air, the glossy paint practically reflecting the entire neighborhood.

“What the…?? Oh my God! ” I whispered to myself, craning my neck to get a better look.

The driver stepped out first, rushing to open the back door with a flourish. And there she was: IRENE. She emerged like a movie star on a red carpet, her tailored trench coat cinched perfectly at the waist, oversized sunglasses perched on her nose, and a Chanel tote dangling off her arm like it was the crown jewel.

I blinked, trying to process the scene unfolding in front of me. Is this real? Am I being pranked? Dan told me she was… broke.

My husband stepped outside, clearly unfazed, his face lighting up as Irene threw her arms around him dramatically.

“Oh, my sweet boy,” she cooed, her voice dripping with affection. “You’ve saved me! I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

I stood frozen in the doorway, my mouth hanging open like I’d forgotten how to speak. This was not the image of someone who had “lost her place.”

Behind her, the driver unloaded three massive Louis Vuitton suitcases, setting them down on the driveway like she was checking into a five-star resort.

Irene brushed past me into the house without even glancing in my direction, her heels clicking confidently on the floor. “Ah, this will do,” she said, glancing around the living room like a realtor inspecting a property.

“Uh, welcome,” I finally managed, my voice laced with disbelief.

Dan followed her inside, rubbing the back of his neck like he was trying to make sense of it all. “Maybe she… uh… borrowed the car?” he offered weakly, glancing at me with an awkward smile.

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. “Right! Because that’s what broke people do. Borrow Bentleys.”

Dan’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

“Uh-huh,” I muttered, my eyes trailing to the three designer suitcases now sitting in the hallway. “And what about those? Let me guess… she borrowed those too?”

Dan let out a nervous laugh, but it didn’t make the suspicion in my chest any lighter. “Layla, come on. Don’t overthink it,” he said.

“Overthink it? Dan, your mom shows up in a Bentley, carrying Louis Vuitton luggage, acting like she’s royalty, and you don’t think that’s worth questioning?”

“She’s had a tough time,” he said defensively, his tone firming up.

“A tough time?” I repeated, gesturing to the suitcases. “Dan, this doesn’t look like someone who’s had a ‘tough time.’ It looks like someone who’s about to rent a villa in the Hamptons.”

Before Dan could respond, Irene reappeared in the living room, her sunglasses now perched on her head. “Where’s the guest room, darling?” she asked sweetly, ignoring the tension between us.

Dan motioned down the hall. “It’s the last door on the left, Mom. I’ll help you with your bags.”

“Oh, don’t trouble yourself, sweetie,” she said, waving him off. “That’s what the driver is for. Tony, bring the bags inside!”

I watched, stunned, as the driver nodded obediently and began hauling the suitcases into the house. Dan gave me a small shrug, as if to say, “What can I do? She’s my mom.”

Yeah, right! I bit my tongue, forcing myself to stay calm. But as Irene disappeared down the hall, I leaned closer to Dan and whispered, “You’d better hope there’s an explanation for all of this. Because if there isn’t, I’m going to lose it.”

He just smiled and hurried to work.

That evening, after Irene had retired to the guest room, I called Dan.

“Dan, are you seriously not questioning any of this? She shows up in a Bentley, with designer bags, acting like she’s on a vacation. Does that scream ‘homeless’ to you?”

He sighed, like he’d been through a long day. “She probably bought that stuff before things got bad, Layla. You know how proud she is. She’s not going to sell her things just because she’s struggling.”

As I spoke, an odd clinking noise came from the kitchen. I paused, lowering the phone. “Hang on,” I said, my brows furrowing as I followed the sound.

When I stepped into the doorway, I froze. Irene was standing over the trash can, breaking our plates one by one and tossing the shards inside like it was no big deal.

“What are you doing?” I demanded, disbelief lacing every word. “I thought you were in your room. And why are you breaking the plates?”

She turned to me with an exasperated expression, as if I were the unreasonable one. “These plates are awful,” she said, holding up a cracked piece like it was evidence. “Cheap, scratched, and completely unworthy of my son. Dan deserves to eat off something better. Don’t worry, honey… we’re going to buy new ones.”

Before I could protest, she just walked away to her room. I was LIVID.

When Dan returned, I grabbed his arm and pulled him aside. “Do you know what your mother just did?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

He frowned, clearly caught off guard. “She broke our plates — every single one — because she said they weren’t ‘worthy of you.’ She tossed the pieces into the trash like it was no big deal!”

Dan rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, his expression somewhere between uncomfortable and defensive. “I mean… maybe she’s just trying to help?”

“Help? By smashing our plates?”

“She probably just wants to replace them with something nicer,” he said sheepishly, avoiding my gaze. “You know how she is… she only wants the best for me.”

“The best for you? Dan, she’s treating this house like it’s a makeover show, and you’re seriously okay with that?”

He shrugged weakly. “I don’t think she means any harm, Layla. Maybe you’re reading too much into it.”

“Unbelievable,” I muttered, shaking my head as I turned to leave. There was no point in arguing with Dan.

He rubbed his forehead like he had a headache. “Layla, can you just… can you give her a little space? She’s going through a tough time. She needs a little comfort right now. Just… let her settle in.”

“Let her settle in? Sure, Dan. Let’s just let her redecorate our whole lives!”

Dan didn’t respond. And honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear what he had to say.

Over the next week, things only got stranger. Irene filled the guest room and bathroom with her luxury skincare products. Every corner of the house seemed to smell like something expensive — rosewater mist here, lavender-infused whatever there.

Then came the packages. Chanel. Gucci. Prada. Box after box piled up on our doorstep, each one more outrageous than the last.

When I finally asked her about them, she waved me off with a dismissive flick of her hand. “Oh, just some things I ordered a while back,” she said lightly, as if ordering thousands of dollars’ worth of designer goods was no big deal.

That was it. I couldn’t take it anymore. If she was truly “broke,” then where was all the money coming from? Something about this didn’t add up.

The next morning, Irene left the house around 10 a.m., claiming she was meeting a friend for coffee. “Don’t wait up for me, darling,” she’d said with a wink, strolling out the door like she owned the place.

I waited exactly two minutes before grabbing my keys and following her.

She drove straight to an upscale country club. I parked a few spaces away, watching as she stepped out of the Bentley with the same air of confidence she’d had when she arrived at our house.

A man in a sharp, tailored suit greeted her by the entrance. He leaned in, kissed her cheek, and the two of them laughed like old friends sharing an inside joke.

My hands trembled as I snapped a few pictures on my phone. Who was this guy? And what the hell was Irene doing?

I sat in the car for a moment, staring at the photos. My heart raced, and my stomach churned. Whatever was going on, it wasn’t good. When Irene returned that afternoon, Dan and I were waiting for her in the living room.

“So,” I said, holding up my phone, “care to explain why you’re meeting rich men at country clubs while we’re housing you for free?”

Her face went pale. “You… you followed me?”

“Answer the question, Irene.”

She sighed dramatically, sinking into the couch. “Fine,” she said, throwing up her hands. “I’ll tell you the truth. I was so lonely after my husband died. I was looking for some… you know, adventure. I found someone. He was young, handsome, and adorable. I spent a huge chunk of my savings on him. He promised me excitement and a future, but he left me for someone else. I was devastated… and I wanted to get back on my feet.”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. “And the man you met today?”

“That’s Henry,” she said defensively. “He’s wealthy and interested in me. He’s helping me get back on my feet. He’s been sending me gifts and he really likes me. I just wanted Henry to believe I was completely broke… you know…”

Dan stared at her, his jaw tightening. “So you’re not broke. You just didn’t want to use your own money while figuring out your next move?”

Irene’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You don’t understand. I only came here to help you, Dan. You deserve better. Someone from the same financial class as us. Together, we could’ve rebuilt our status.”

I felt the air leave my lungs. “You were planning to push me out??”

Irene didn’t say a word. Her silence was all the confirmation I needed.

Dan’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. “Mom,” he said, standing up and looking her dead in the eye, “you need to leave. Tomorrow. Go live with Henry if he’s so interested in helping you.”

“Dan, don’t be ridiculous,” she started, but he raised a hand to stop her.

“I’m done, Mom. I trusted you. But you crossed the line.”

The next day, she left with her suitcases, her chin held high and a look of pure disdain etched across her face.

A week later, Irene called Dan in tears. Turns out Henry was married, and his wife had found out. He’d dumped her, leaving her high and dry. I couldn’t help but laugh when Dan told me.

“Karma sure works fast, huh?” I said, scrolling through Irene’s Instagram.

Her posts were filled with captions like, “Embracing the simple life” and “Finding beauty in humility.” Meanwhile, I knew she was selling her designer bags just to cover the rent on her modest condo.

Dan shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You know, she kind of brought this on herself.”

I grinned, raising my coffee mug in a mock toast. “Here’s to Irene,” I said. “May she finally learn the difference between humility and Chanel.”

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