That was when I spotted Melanie and Boyd in a luxury watch store.
Melanie was holding a watch, fastening it around Boyd's wrist.
Their eyes locked, lingering with an intimacy so thick it was almost tangible.
I recognized that watch. Around fifteen thousand dollars, a model I'd been eyeing for a long time.
But whenever I brought it up, Melanie always said the same thing: "A watch just tells time. Why waste that kind of money? We should be saving for our future kids."
And now here she was, buying it for Boyd.
She'd been covering his medical bills for the past six months, too.
"Should we go say hi?"
Sylvia whispered.
"No need."
I waved her off and pulled her into the clothing store across the way.
Sylvia had barely changed into a dress she'd picked out when Melanie came storming in.
"Valentine, what the hell do you think you're doing? You're actually spending money on her?"
I'd only just turned around.
Sylvia rushed to speak first. "Melanie, please don't be upset. I'm keeping track of every dollar. I'll pay Valentine back once I get a job."
"Shut your mouth, you scheming little tramp!"
Melanie's eyes went wide, and her hand shot up to slap Sylvia across the face.