So, for an entire year, I accompanied him to the library every day, taking care of his needs like a personal assistant. I helped him gather job information and organize study materials, fearful of wasting any of his study time.
Looking back now, I realize that convincing me to apply for the same job was just a way to exploit my free labor.
Later, when the exam results came out, I scored first, and he scored third. The position only had two openings. Although he made it to the interview, his lower written exam score left him with little chance of success.
That day, he knelt at my feet, rubbing my hand but not meeting my eyes. "Josephine, I feel so useless. It's been a year since graduation, and I've achieved nothing. I don't have the face to go home and meet your parents."
I thought he was lowering his head in shame for not being able to provide a good life for me. So, to help him succeed, I willingly gave up my interview opportunity. Only later did I realize he was avoiding my gaze because he was hiding his calculating and deceitful eyes.
He eventually succeeded in the exam with the second-highest score and, the next day, broke up with me.