Diary of a Greed Test.

Today, I decided to put Laura to the test. After what I went through with my last girlfriend — who was only interested in my money and nearly ruined me — I swore I’d never trust so easily again. Laura seemed different: humble, sincere, unpretentious… But it never hurts to be sure. If she passed this test, she’d have a dream wedding and a life full of luxury.

I planned everything down to the last detail. I rented a tiny apartment, bought cheap clothes — the kind everyone wears — and started driving an old, beat-up car. I wanted her to think I was just a regular office worker, saving up for my first home. The truth? I could buy a penthouse in the city center tomorrow if I wanted to. Perks of being the son of millionaire parents. Oh, and to complete the act, I told her I was an orphan.

—You’ve got some imagination —my friend laughed. —How haven’t you slipped up yet? You have no idea how normal people live. Private schools, a chauffeur since you were a kid…

—I even hired a security guy to coach me on how to seem “normal” —I replied, checking my watch. —I gotta go. I’m meeting Laura after class. Maybe we’ll stop by a bar.

—Careful not to get sick —he joked. —You’re not used to that kind of street food.

I waited for Laura with a bouquet of flowers — the cheapest one from the stall. For me, it cost no more than a cup of coffee, but I had to keep up the act. When I saw her walking toward me, something felt off: she looked pale, eyes filled with tears.

—What’s wrong, Lari? —I asked, hugging her. I remembered her father had been ill. Maybe things had gotten worse.

We sat at a small café, and through tears, she told me her father urgently needed surgery. The doctor had been clear: the procedure would significantly increase his chances of recovery, but it was expensive.

—Ten thousand euros! —she burst out, desperate. —And we don’t have anything…

I put on a concerned 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, pretending to feel conflicted. —And are you sure you’re supposed to pay? Sounds like corruption. You should report it.

—We can’t take that risk! —she cried. —It’s my father’s life!

I could tell from her eyes that she knew I was lying. She’d seen €500 bills in my wallet more than once. But even so… she didn’t ask me for anything. No demands, no pressure. She simply said she had made up her mind: she would drop out of college to work and pay for her father’s operation.

Three weeks later.

Laura was glowing. Her father had undergone surgery and was recovering well. She had found a decent job and, even though she was exhausted, she kept smiling. I had 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 leaning against a sports car gleaming under the sun.

—You passed the test —I said, smiling as I showed her an engagement ring. —Now I know you’re not with me for the money. This ring is worth fifty thousand euros. You deserve the best wedding, the best life…

A loud slap cut my words short. Laura was trembling with anger.

—Do you realize what you could’ve done with that money? —she shouted. —My father nearly died for less!

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

I never saw her again.