I never imagined rock bottom would come as a positive pregnancy test and a note on a hotel notepad. At 25, I was alone—abandoned by the man I loved and disowned by my family. My name is Arlene. I lived quietly, working as an admin assistant while my parents compared me to my “successful” cousin.

Only my grandpa believed in me. Then David walked into my office—charming, confident, and grateful when I solved a permit issue for him. That night led to dinner, a whirlwind romance, and eventually, an engagement ring. My parents suddenly saw me differently. They adored David—for his money, mostly.hours.