Gemotions

The sunlight glinted off the expensive watch John wore, a constant reminder of his supposed success. He'd told everyone he was a software engineer, making millions. The truth, whispered by a former colleague, was a punch in the gut: he was a janitor. A janitor!

The knowledge settled like a cold rock in Amelia’s chest. All those lavish dinners, the boasts about early retirement… She felt a tight sensation in her chest. John had taken her to fancy restaurants, and she had spent her precious savings on outfits, trying to keep up. She had thought about asking him for help with her student loans, too. He was a liar. And he’d made her feel foolish. She considered what she could do with his lifestyle instead.