Ethan clutched the worn envelope, his knuckles white. Inside was five thousand dollars—every cent he’d saved over three years of mopping floors. His heart pounded with hope as he approached the apartment of his girlfriend, Lily. This was the bride-price her mother demanded. This was for their future. He pushed open the unlocked door, a smile on his face that instantly froze. Lily was there, but she wasn’t alone. Her arms were wrapped around the neck of Chad, the arrogant son of a wealthy family, his smug face pressed against hers. “Lily?” Ethan’s voice was a choked whisper. They sprang apart. Lily’s face shifted from shock to pure, undisguised contempt. Chad simply smirked, wrapping a possessive arm around her waist. “What are you doing here, Ethan?” Lily snapped, her voice sharp as glass. Ethan numbly held out the envelope. “The money… for our wedding. I have it.” Chad let out a barking laugh. “Money? You call that pocket change money?” Lily snatched the envelope from Ethan’s hand, tore it open, and scoffed at the worn bills inside. Her lip curled in disgust. “Five thousand? Is this a joke? Chad just bought me a purse worth twenty thousand! You think this pathetic pile of paper can buy my future?” Her voice rose to a shriek. “You’re trash, Ethan! A worthless janitor! I was a fool to ever waste my time on you.” She threw the money into his face. The bills fluttered down, littering the floor around his worn-out shoes like dead leaves. “We’re done,” she spat. “I’d rather be miserable in Chad’s mansion than happy in your filthy rental. Now get out. The sight of you makes me sick.” Ethan’s face was a stone mask. The hurt vanished, replaced by an unnerving, icy calm. He didn’t even glance at the money he’d bled for. He just stared at her, his eyes so cold she instinctively took a step back. Without another word, he turned and walked out. Ethan walked out into the street, his world shattered. A motorcade of obsidian Rolls-Royces swept in, blocking the road with silent, immense power. An impeccably dressed old man rushed from the lead car and knelt before him. “The five-year trial is over. Your hundred-billion-dollar account, young master, has been unlocked.”

The $5,000 Wedding Trap