"Andra! So, all you've been doing is working as a parking attendant?!" Nadia hurled those words at me with a tone full of shock, as if the world I knew had suddenly crumbled before her eyes.

"Nadia?! Nadia, what are you doing here?! I... I...." I fell silent, my words catching in my throat.

Nervously, I tried to reach for Nadia's arm—the girlfriend who had been part of my life for so long, who had accompanied me every day without ever really knowing what I did to make ends meet.

But Nadia pulled away. She kept her distance, her face clearly showing that she couldn't accept this reality. Her brow furrowed, and her gaze was filled with confusion and shock. I knew it—she couldn't accept that the boyfriend who had always been there for her was nothing more than a parking attendant, a job so far removed from what she had imagined of me.

"Don't come near me. Don't get close! I don't want your filthy hands touching my skin. You're so embarrassing!" Nadia snapped at me harshly, her voice full of anger.

After that, with quick steps, Nadia walked away. I could only stand frozen, like a statue unable to move. My body felt stiff, my heart felt as heavy as stone, unable to do anything but watch her disappear. I wanted to scream, to beg her to stay, but my voice was gone, buried in deepening pain.

I knew exactly who I was. I knew this job would never give me the kind of pride she expected. But I loved her—with all the feeling I had. From high school, when we were still sitting in those desks, through her enrollment at this prestigious university, I was always there for her. But I couldn't continue my higher education because I didn't have the means. Maybe I was destined to be someone adequate, but always falling short of what people like Nadia expected.

A traumatic event from my past had left a deep wound, making me afraid of any form of romantic relationship. Since then, I decided to work hard, to do whatever it took to fill my days. I did things I had never even been capable of before. Only through persistence and dedication was I able to overcome the ego and laziness that constantly haunted me. I believed God would never give me abundance, let alone wealth.

But one day, I began to realize that I needed to turn a new page. I decided to start a small business. I started by selling books, working in neighbors' homes, becoming a driver, even a motorcycle taxi rider. I did all of it with determination, even if it meant reducing my daily spending and minimizing my meals. I just wanted to survive and achieve it.

Gradually, I began to dare to invest, trying my luck in bigger businesses with all their risks. Real estate was the field I chose. Every day, I tried not to waste any opportunity. I attended all kinds of entrepreneurship seminars and business training, seeking knowledge that could help me grow in the field I was pursuing.

My goal now is to surpass the limits of my own abilities. I am no longer afraid to face challenges, even when I know the risks are getting bigger. Because I know that only through hard work and strong determination can I change my fate.

"Andra... forgive me, forgive me...." The sobs of the straight-haired woman burst out, breaking the silence of my office.

While the tears falling from her eyes seemed meaningless to me, I instead turned my gaze away, looking out at the bustling city visible through the large glass panes that lined this building.

She came when I had already become someone, perhaps someone worthy of her now. But I still remember how she once refused to even let my dirty hands touch her. Now, that same woman stood before me, begging for forgiveness with so much regret, as if bearing a burden she never expected.

"I've already forgiven you," I said flatly, unwilling to be trapped in useless emotions anymore.

"So, does that mean we can—"

"No," I cut her off firmly, holding back all the turbulent feelings inside me. "Forgiving you doesn't mean I also have to accept you as my girlfriend like before," I continued, my voice steady even though my heart felt cold seeing the person I once loved so much shattered before me.

Her crying grew louder. She had received my forgiveness, but why did she still demand more? I didn't understand.

I walked past her, indifferent to the sobs that grew louder behind me. Her slender body wrapped in a long light blue brocade dress looked so beautiful, but I already knew she was no longer right for me. For so long I searched for myself, and now I realize who I truly am.

"I'm sorry, I have a meeting today. A client will be coming. You can leave through this door," I said as I turned the knob and opened the door for her. Nadia looked at me with eyes filled with regret and displeasure, but I didn't care anymore.

Her body moved slowly, passing through the door, and finally left my office. Before closing the door, her eyes full of devastation glanced at me one last time, as if searching for a glimmer of hope, but I gave her none.

I don't give second chances to betrayers. I had forgiven her, but that meant nothing anymore. The word forgiveness was just like words easily spoken, but it couldn't erase everything that had happened. It was all just a paradox that could repeat itself again at any time.

I may now be a man dripping with wealth, but I'm aware that problems will never stop coming. In fact, bigger problems await ahead. Problems that will test my arrogance and pride. When wealth turns out to defeat the humility I once had, and I know I must be ready for it.

-II-