Mabel had always been cautious with her heart. Losing her parents at such a young age had forced her to mature quickly, to focus on responsibilities rather than romance. But Kenze-charming, playful, and seemingly kind-had managed to slip past her defenses.
At first, it was just casual conversations at the restaurant, then small gestures that made her feel seen and appreciated. Before she knew it, she found herself looking forward to seeing him, lingering a little longer than necessary just to hear his voice.
And when he finally asked her out, she hesitated-but only for a moment.
"You don't have to say yes," Kenze had said with a grin, leaning against the counter as he handed her the bill one evening. "But if you do, I promise to make it worth your while."
Mabel rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine. One date."
She didn't realize then that she was walking into a trap.
Kenze's True Intentions
For Kenze, Mabel wasn't just another woman-she was an opportunity.
He had noticed her the first time she walked into the restaurant, not just because she was beautiful, but because of the air of quiet confidence she carried. She wasn't like the usual women he flirted with. She was composed, serious, and, more importantly, she had money.
Kenze had grown up struggling, hopping from one low-paying job to another, always looking for a way to make life easier for himself. The moment he realized Mabel came from a wealthy background, he knew what he had to do.
He played the long game-earning her trust, making her feel special, carefully weaving his way into her life. And when she finally agreed to go out with him, he knew he had won the first battle.
The Illusion of Love
Their first date was simple yet thoughtful. Kenze took her to a quiet, upscale café, knowing she would appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. He listened attentively as she spoke about her work, her sisters, and the weight of responsibility she carried.
"You take care of everyone," he said, reaching across the table to touch her hand lightly. "But who takes care of you?"
The words struck something deep inside Mabel. It had been so long since anyone had asked her that.
"You don't have to carry everything alone," Kenze added, his eyes filled with what seemed like genuine concern.
Mabel felt her walls begin to crumble.
As weeks passed, their relationship deepened. Kenze was always there-texting her good morning, surprising her with small gifts, making her laugh when she was overwhelmed. He said all the right things, made her feel safe, cherished.
For the first time in years, Mabel allowed herself to believe in love.
What she didn't see was the calculation behind every move Kenze made.
The First Signs of Trouble
At first, it was small things-subtle, almost unnoticeable.
Kenze would casually mention money problems, a hospital bill for a sick relative, an unexpected rent increase. Mabel, wanting to help, would offer to cover some expenses.
"It's nothing," she'd say when he hesitated. "I want to help."
And Kenze would smile, kiss her hand, and thank her-always making it seem like he hated taking her money.
But he never said no.
Then, he started making bigger requests. A loan to invest in a "business opportunity," help with getting a new car after his broke down.
Mabel hesitated but convinced herself that it was normal in a relationship to support each other.
She never saw the pattern, never realized that Kenze's affection was directly tied to how much she gave.
The Manipulation Grows
Kenze had perfected the art of making Mabel feel guilty.
"Do you think I like asking for help?" he'd say, frustration lacing his voice. "I just thought you understood me, that you cared."
Mabel, not wanting to lose him, would apologize. "Of course, I care. I just... I don't want money to come between us."
"It won't," Kenze would assure her. "It's just temporary, babe. Once I get back on my feet, I'll take care of you like you deserve."
And she believed him.
Even when Cecilia and Phebe started asking questions.
"You're always paying for things, Mabel," Cecilia pointed out one evening. "Does he ever do the same for you?"
"He's just going through a rough time," Mabel defended. "Besides, I can afford it."
"But should you have to?" Phebe added gently. "Love isn't about money."
Mabel brushed off their concerns, unwilling to see the truth.
The Breaking Point
The illusion shattered the day Mabel overheard Kenze on the phone.
She had stopped by his apartment unannounced, something she rarely did. As she walked up to the door, she heard his voice-calm, smooth, but different from the way he spoke to her.
"She's still buying it," he said with a chuckle. "Yeah, man. She just sent me money for the car yesterday. Told her it was an emergency."
Mabel froze, her heart pounding.
"Look, I'll stick around a little longer," Kenze continued. "But once I get enough, I'm done. She's useful, but I'm not trying to play house forever."
The words hit her like a slap.
Mabel felt the ground shift beneath her. Everything-the laughter, the sweet words, the nights spent talking about the future-it had all been a lie.
A calculated, cruel lie.
Confrontation and Heartbreak
She didn't wait. Bursting into the apartment, she saw the shock flash across Kenze's face.
"Mabel-"
"Don't," she cut him off, her voice shaking. "How long?"
Kenze sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, babe, I was gonna tell you-"
She laughed bitterly. "Tell me what? That you were using me? That you never cared?"
"It's not like that," he insisted, trying to reach for her.
She stepped back. "Then what is it like, Kenze? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like I was just your personal ATM."
His silence was all the confirmation she needed.
Mabel felt her heart break, but she refused to cry. She had already given him enough-her trust, her time, her money. He would not take her dignity, too.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Kenze didn't stop her.
Lessons Learned
That night, Mabel sat alone, replaying everything in her mind. She felt foolish, betrayed, but most of all, she felt angry.
Not just at Kenze-but at herself for ignoring the signs.
She had been so desperate to feel loved, to have someone take care of her for once, that she had ignored the truth staring her in the face.
But never again.
Love was supposed to be built on trust, not manipulation. And the next time she gave her heart to someone, she would make sure they truly deserved it.
Kenze had taken her for a fool.
But he would not break her.