He said they started dating in their freshman year and had a seven-year relationship, but it eventually fell apart due to reality.
They were almost at the point of discussing marriage, and the bride price was set at 150,000 dollars.
When he finally gathered the money, her family suddenly disagreed and demanded an extra 80,000 dollars.
His family wasn't well off. Even 150,000 was a stretch, and they couldn't afford another 80,000.
He realized this was the family's way of turning him down.
And that's how the relationship ended.
Later, with that 150,000 dollars, he threw himself into starting a business, determined to prove himself. That's how our story began.
The company's business wasn't doing well in the early years, sometimes barely breaking even. During the day, he would suit up and charm clients with a smile.
After work, he often looked defeated and would drag me out for a night of heavy drinking.
When he was drunk, he'd cry and ask me if he was useless.
I knew who he was crying for. Feeling bitter on his behalf, I nodded in frustration, which only made him cry harder.
But I added, "Don't worry, I'll support you."
Honestly, I believed he was capable. He just had bad luck.