I opened every card linked to his accounts and went through the statements one by one. There wasn't a single large transfer related to a home purchase. But Marvin had gone back to his hometown at the end of the year and signed the contract. We'd picked the house together, negotiated the signing date ourselves. The only reason I hadn't been there was because I'd been sick that day. Marvin had even sent me photos from the signing and a copy of the contract.

There on the phone was his chat with me from that day.

My entire body went rigid. I couldn't move.

The naked truth crushed the air from my lungs.

For four years, I'd been the only one saving money. And every dollar I'd saved had become another woman's bride price.

I sat by the window and called the real estate agent who'd handled the house.

"Oh, oh yeah, I remember you!"

"Your husband never came back to sign, though. He said he'd found another place he liked better."

"That unit ended up going to someone else. A young woman."

The agent was still as friendly as ever, a hint of regret in her voice.

"It really was a great deal. I heard she bought it as a wedding home too."

"The guy only put the girl's name on the deed. Can you imagine? Lucky girl."

"No worries, though. Next time something good comes up, I'll let you know."

I took a deep breath and mustered the courage to ask.

"Could you tell me who the girl was? I love that unit so much, I'd be willing to pay above market to buy it back."

The agent paused.

"Pay above market? That doesn't seem worth it..."

"It's fine. Money isn't an issue."

The agent said she'd ask around. Before long, someone sent me a friend request.

I opened the contact card and saw the number. A number I recognized.

It was the same one Marvin used to order delivery and send gifts.

You want to buy my place?

The message came almost immediately.

Yes, I really love that unit. The apartment number is actually my boyfriend's birthday.

Would you be willing to sell? I can pay extra.

She sent a smiley face.

How much extra are we talking? I bought it as a wedding home too, so I'd have to check with my boyfriend.

I tapped at the screen. A wedding home too? What a coincidence. The agent mentioned the deed is only in your name?

Your boyfriend must really love you.

Yeah, he's really good to me.

We've been together two years. We're getting engaged on the third of next month.