I was carrying a bottle of wine, and to be honest, it was quite heavy. I found a nearby shop on the street and sold it. With the money in hand, I hailed a cab and headed straight to Amias's place.

As soon as I entered the house, a flood of memories came rushing back. Amias and I were from two different worlds. Just two months into pursuing him, the rumors started swirling. People mocked my appearance and style, saying I was like a country girl dreaming of royalty.

I overheard one of his friends joking with him, "Look at you, helping out a farm girl once, and now you're stuck with her. Tough break." I glanced down at my unfashionable clothes and resolved to change. With the support of my roommates, I started learning about skincare and makeup.

Honestly, my family wasn’t poor. We owned a large estate with dozens of cattle and sheep. But having spent most of my life in a small village with my grandmother, I'd never experienced the city life. I could understand why Amias's friends looked down on me.

But back then, Amias didn't join in on their jokes, so I assumed he didn’t agree with them. It took me a long time to realize the truth. His friends' attitudes toward me were a reflection of his own. If someone respects and values you, those around them wouldn't dare to mock you casually.

By my sophomore year, I had gone through quite a transformation. My previously sun-kissed skin had returned to a porcelain tone, and I began wearing Victorian-style dresses while trying out new hairstyles. The boys who once teased and mocked me now turned red whenever they saw me. On the first day of the new school year, Amias watched me for a long time, seemingly at a loss for words. After I confessed my feelings to him once more, Amias finally agreed to be my boyfriend.

That night, back in my dormitory, I was too excited to sleep. My roommates shared in my happiness, not just because I was in love, but because I had finally found my confidence. "Malani, remember that you're amazing, and you deserve to be loved by anyone," they said with genuine warmth. In that moment, I felt like the happiest person alive. My academics were going well, my roommates were supportive, and I had made numerous friends. Best of all, my long-time crush, Amias, was now my boyfriend.

Later in the evening, I called my grandmother, Emiliana. When she asked if I was seeing anyone, I found myself smiling and blushing, "Yes, I am. I'll bring him home during the summer break so you can meet him."

Amias had bought a house near the university. Ever since we started dating, he often invited me over to keep him company. Each day, after classes finished, I'd go to his place to cook, do his laundry, and clean up. He even expected me to wash both his cars, leaving me exhausted and sore every time.

One evening, after dinner, a heavy rainstorm hit. I didn't have an umbrella and thought staying over for the night would be sensible. Amias's house was spacious, with three bedrooms and two living areas, so staying in the guest room seemed reasonable. However, Amias had other ideas. He looked at me and said softly, “Malani, you're not thinking of sneaking into my bed tonight, are you? A girl should have some self-respect.”

That night, I weathered the storm to return to campus and ended up with a high fever the next day. After that, I never brought up staying over again. Looking back now, maybe Amias had his own way of making a point. What kind of girlfriend lets herself be treated this way?

I was nothing more than an unpaid help. Housekeepers at least receive a salary and have their own space. I didn’t even get that. I was simply providing free labor, giving of myself without any expectation.