The rest of dinner shifted. Their questions lost their bite; Lucas held her hand. At the door, Elaine touched Sophia’s arm and murmured, “I hope you’ll let us make a better impression next time.” Sophia answered, “Everyone deserves a chance to grow.”
Two weeks later, they invited the couple for Sunday brunch. The house was carefully arranged—flowers, polished cutlery, nervous warmth.
Conversation stayed light until Elaine asked whether they had discussed “combining finances” and “buying a house,” and Robert added that knowing Sophia’s “position” changed what was possible.
“Our relationship isn’t a financial plan,” Sophia said.
“Of course not,” Elaine replied quickly, “but your income could secure everything for both of you.”
Later, as she and Lucas walked by the river, he said, “I hate that they judged you when they thought you were poor and now can’t stop thinking about your money.”
“It’s not just about them,” Sophia answered. “Money changes people. I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t want our roles—or how you see yourself—twisted by numbers.”
“I don’t want your income,” he said. “I want you.”
