Chapter 3The Billionaire's Five-Year Poor-Boy Cosplay

I pulled out the condo purchase contract I had been keeping in my bag. Tears smashed onto the paper one by one.

I hurriedly wiped them away with my hand, afraid of ruining the document.

I had always believed that Liam was afraid to bring up marriage because he was broke and terrified he wouldn't get past my parents.

He had heard perfectly clearly when my mom called me that day.

"You say he has no parents, fine. But his education is lower than yours, his salary is lower than yours, he has no house, no car. What exactly do you see in him? Just his face?

"With your qualifications, what kind of guy couldn't you find?

"Come home. Mom has so many successful young men to introduce you to. Any one of them is better than him."

I had covered the phone receiver. "Mom, he's leading a new project right now. He'll get a raise next month. Besides, he's ambitious and treats me well. I just like him.

"As for buying a house, the money we've saved together these past few years is enough for a down payment. Our combined 401ks and salaries will cover the mortgage. Things are only going to get better..."

That day, after hanging up the phone, I squatted by the bed, pulled out all my bank cards, spread them out on the mattress, and looked up at him. "Let's get married. I have the money. I'll take care of you from now on."

Liam looked slightly stunned. An emotion I couldn't read flashed through his eyes, but all he said was, "Wait just a little longer."

At the time, I thought he wanted me to wait until he achieved more success, until he could afford to give me a proper wedding.

But I hadn't understood that look in his eyes. Looking back now, it was probably a look of amusement.

Amusement at my naive gullibility, at my burning passion that he found utterly worthless.

For days, I had been racking my brain trying to figure out a natural, perfect way to surprise him.

But I never imagined that while I was picturing a future filled with warmth and love for us, he was calculating how to extract himself from this deceptive game.

It was too ridiculous. I laughed until I couldn't stop the tears.

It took an immense amount of self-control to stop myself from pushing that door open.

I took step after step backward. The weight of this truth made it hard to breathe. I looked down and pressed the call button.

Looking up, Liam raised his hand, and everyone in the room instantly went silent.

I spoke, keeping my voice perfectly normal. "Are you still at work?"

Liam's lazy voice came through the receiver. "Yeah, probably another hour or two. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

I wiped away my tears. "I took a bad fall. I'm at the hospital..."

In my peripheral vision, I saw Liam sit up slightly.

"Which hospital?" He gestured to the person next to him to hand him his coat.

Liam hung up the phone and stubbed out his cigarette. His friend asked, "Where are you going? You just sat down."

"Girlfriend's in the hospital. Gotta go."

"Since when does she count as your girlfriend..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Liam, leaning against the doorframe, turned his head and shot him a chilling glance.

That single glance, completely devoid of emotion, was as freezing as a deep winter pool. It silenced the speaker instantly, filling him with a sense of dread.