For ten years, Lana believed she was building a future with Ashton. They split rent, shared groceries, and made joint decisions about their apartment. Ashton had insisted they move into a spacious flat he found quickly, claiming it was a great deal. Lana trusted him—she never saw a lease, never met the landlord, and never questioned the monthly payments she handed over.
Whenever repairs were needed, Ashton arranged everything. He said the landlord was private, lived far away, and preferred to handle things through contractors. Lana accepted this, even when small inconsistencies surfaced. Ashton always had a reason, always reassured her.
Then, one day, everything unraveled.
After Ashton abruptly ended their relationship, Lana stumbled upon a bank letter addressed to him. It revealed that he was the actual owner of the apartment. Her rent payments had been covering his mortgage all along. She hadn’t been splitting rent—she’d been unknowingly paying off his loan.
The betrayal cut deep. It wasn’t just about money—it was about trust, manipulation, and the illusion of partnership. Ashton had used her loyalty and financial contributions to secure his own future, while keeping her in the dark.
Lana’s discovery forced her to reevaluate everything. The years she spent believing they were equals had been a lie. But instead of drowning in regret, she chose clarity. She moved out, rebuilt her life, and vowed never to let love blind her to the truth again.
