One had recently endured a bitter breakup and insisted his former girlfriend had stayed because of his lifestyle.

“Your girlfriend’s broke, Archie. You’re telling me she doesn’t see an opportunity?”

Initially, I defended Skyla.

Eventually, though, their warnings began influencing my thoughts.

She’d never requested money.

Was that because she genuinely didn’t want it?

Or had she figured out that asking would make me suspicious?

Once those doubts appeared, I started questioning ordinary gestures.

When she prepared dinner at my apartment, I wondered whether she was trying to impress me.

When she remembered an important meeting, I questioned whether she was deliberately keeping me happy.

One evening, she arrived carrying her unreliable laptop. Its screen flickered whenever she moved it.

“Let me buy you a new one,” I said.

“No, thanks. I’ve got a repair appointment.”

“Skyla, I can afford it.”

“It’s okay, baby.”