Diary of a Greed Test.

Today, I decided to put Laura to the test. After everything I’ve been through, I don’t want to repeat the same mistake. The last girl I dated was only interested in my money — and by the time I realized it, I was nearly broke. Laura seemed different: humble, down-to-earth… but it doesn’t hurt to be sure. If she passed the test, a life of luxury and a dream wedding would be waiting for her.

I planned everything carefully. I rented a tiny apartment, bought a run-down car, and dressed in cheap clothes — the kind half the country wears. I wanted her to think I was just another office clerk, saving up for a mortgage. The truth? I could buy a penthouse in central Madrid tomorrow if I wanted to. Perks of being the son of wealthy parents. Oh, and I also told her I was an orphan.

“You have such a wild imagination,” my friend said, laughing. “How haven’t you blown your cover yet? You have no idea how regular people live. Private schools, a driver since childhood…”

“I even hired a security guy as a reality consultant,” I replied, checking the time. “I have to go. I’m meeting Laura after her classes. Maybe we’ll stop by a random bar.”

“Just be careful not to get food poisoning,” he joked. “You know you’re not used to that stuff.”

I waited for Laura with a bouquet — the cheapest one at the flower stall. For me, it was like buying a cup of coffee, but I had to keep up appearances. When I saw her approaching, I noticed something was wrong: she looked pale, on the verge of tears.

“What’s wrong, Lari?” I asked, hugging her. I remembered her father had been sick. Maybe his condition had worsened.

We sat down at a café, and through sobs, she told me her father needed €10,000 for surgery. The doctor had made it clear: the money would greatly improve his chances of recovery.

“Ten thousand euros!” she cried, desperate. “And we don’t have a single cent…”

I put on a worried face, even though that amount meant nothing to me.

“I wish I could help, but if I touch that money now, I’ll lose a lot,” I lied. “And are you sure you really have to pay? Sounds like corruption. You should report it!”

“We can’t take that chance!” she shouted. “It’s my father’s life!”

I saw in her eyes — she knew I was lying. She had seen €500 bills in my wallet before. But Laura didn’t push. In the end, she made a hard decision: she would drop out of university to work and raise the money for the surgery.

Three weeks later

Today, Laura was glowing. Her father was recovering, and she had landed a good job. I had also promised her a surprise.

But she wasn’t expecting this.

I waited for her outside the university, wearing designer clothes, a luxury watch on my wrist, and standing next to a sleek sports car that turned heads.

“You passed the test,” I said, showing her a diamond engagement ring. “Now I know you’re not with me for the money. This ring is worth €50,000. You deserve the best wedding, the best life…”

A sharp slap cut my words short. Laura was shaking with rage.

“Do you know what you could’ve done with that money?” she shouted. “My father almost died for less!”

She turned and walked away, leaving me there — my cheek burning and the ring still in my hand.

I never saw her again.