“You have to keep this a secret just between the two of us.” Emily said, a bit of panic in her voice.
She had been dating Adi for just over 3 months at this point, far longer than any of her past relationships, if that’s what you want to call them.
“Ok, sure. What’s up?” Adi replied.
“You need to swear on your life you don’t tell a soul.” She said, fear joining the panic.
“You have my word, Em.” Adi promised. “What’s wrong?”
“What I’m about to tell you..” Emily started, tears starting to stream down her face. “What I’m telling you, only my family and Vix knows. No one else. No one else can know.”
“Okay., go on.” Adi responded, concern in his voice growing.
“I’m rich.” Emily said in the same tone one would use if they killed a beloved pet. “My family is insanely rich.”
Adi stood there, eyes wide, mouth agape.
“I get it if you’re mad and don’t want to see me again.” Emily whispered, head hanging low.
Adi didn’t say a word. He calmly walked over to Emily, wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. At that moment, Emily broke down, sobbing, fearing the worst of the worst is about to happen.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He whispered, keeping her close, his hand gently resting on the back of her head.
“I was scared if you knew you’d think less of me.” Emily sobbed. “I was afraid you’d try to take advantage or something.”
“If your family is loaded, why do you living in this shit hole?” Adi asked softly.
Emily’s apartment is a tiny studio apartment, barely 25’ across in either direction, directly above a hair salon in downtown. The plaster is cracked and chipping, the ceiling is discolored from years of neglect and the windows leak in the cold Wisconsin air as if they were wide open.
“Because I wanted to prove to my family, to myself, that I could live on my own without relying on my family’s wealth.” Emily said, the sobbing slowly easing.
“Em…” Adi started and paused. “Emily, I don’t give a shit if your family is rich enough to own the damn moon. I care about you. You’re fucking amazing at everything you do. You’re fun, you’re beautiful, intelligent and witty. You’re full of so much joy and happiness. I don’t care about money. I care about you!”
Hearing these words, Emily broke down again, harder, her legs giving out with only Adi’s grip keeping her from falling to the floor.
“I’m sorry Adi!” She screamed. “I’m so fucking sorry!”
“Hush Em.” Adi whispered softly helping her to her bed. “Don’t be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“Stupid! I’m so goddamn fucking stupid!” She continued to scream, clutching at something invisible in the air.
“You’re not stupid, Em.” He whispered, trying to calm her down. “You’re not stupid.”
Emily continued to bawl, speaking incoherently. Adi continued to hold her close, comforting her. Hours passed as Emily continued to cry, sometimes gentle sobs, sometimes frantic wailing, Adi stayed through it all. Eventually Emily’s crying subsided to the point she could talk again.
“I’m so sorry Adi.” She whispered. “I’m so stupid to think you’d do something like that.”
“Emily Lynn Granite, “Adi said softly, but firmly. “You have nothing to apologize for and you’re not stupid. Stop. Please.”
“You’re the first person to ever care about me.” She whispered, wrapping her arms around him. “You don’t care about what I look like, what I do, you don’t care about money. Why?”
“I grew up piss poor Em.” Adi replied. “I grew up having to know who people are by how they behave. I look at you and I see a caring soul and a kind heart. You’re not perfect, no one is, but you try your best to be fair with everybody. That’s what drew me to you in the forums. Your kindness.”
“Thank you, Adi.” Emily whispered as she fell asleep against him.

5/4/2025, 4:30:50 AM