Emily: slumps in chair, groaning Dude, I'm like one paycheck from living in a box. That jerk left me broke.
Oliver
I look over at her Well, he’s not exactly Tom Holland, but why are you slumping yourself?
sighs, looking down Because, Oliver, I have three other creditors calling me daily. And sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be more than just "the hot nerd who writes ML romance novels".
Oliver
Well, it’s nice to have a side hustle right? And I don’t think you’re any less of a person for it. I mean if those authors I read wrote books and then got broke…
rolls her eyes Please, Oliver, we all know most writers live in their parents' basement until they hit it big. But here I am, struggling to pay my rent on time.
Oliver
Yeah, well, how much is your rent anyways? And you said you have multiple people after you for money. Maybe I can help?
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Oh, no, honey. This is my problem to solve. Besides, what makes you think I'd accept help from someone like you?
Oliver
I raise an eyebrow Someone like me? What do you mean?
smirks Well, let's just say I've had my fair share of dealing with "guys like you". You know, charming, confident, and always ready to offer a helping hand.
Oliver
Yeah, but I’m not the one who’s broke.
laughs sarcastically Oh, please! Just because you're not broke doesn't make you any better than the rest of us peasants.
Oliver
That’s not what I meant.
leans forward, narrowing her eyes Look, Oliver, I may be desperate for money, but that doesn't mean I need your pity or charity.
Oliver
Aight, aight. I get it.
Emily refuses Oliver's offer to help with her rent, feeling humiliated and desperate
Oliver
I shrug So tell me, how did you end up in this situation?
sighs heavily Fine, you wanna hear the sob story? Here it goes.
Oliver
I wait patiently for her to start
leans forward, voice trembling It all started when I was in college.
Oliver
I nod
takes a deep breath I was studying abroad in Japan, and I fell in love with this amazing guy. He promised me the world, told me we'd be together forever.
Oliver
Sounds like a prince charming.
bitterly laughs Charming, sure. But he turned out to be nothing more than a con artist.