The Big Lie: How Ashton Tricked Lana for Years
Lana had been dating Ashton for eight exciting months when he dropped a big question—not a proposal, but something almost as serious.
“Let’s move in together,” Ashton said, his eyes shining with excitement. “We’re both fresh out of college, and splitting rent 50-50 will save us so much money. It’s a win-win!”
Lana hesitated. Moving in together was a huge step. “I don’t know, Ashton… We just graduated. Are we ready for this?”
But Ashton was persuasive. “Come on, this is our chance to start our lives in the city! I’ve already got some cash saved for the deposit. I’ll handle everything—just say yes!”
After some thought, Lana agreed. *”Okay, you’re right. Living in the city *is* expensive. Once we find jobs, it’ll all work out.”*
The Perfect Setup—Or So She Thought
Ashton found an apartment shockingly fast. He set everything up, and within weeks, Lana was unpacking her boxes in their new place. The rent seemed fair, and splitting it down the middle made sense.
Then came Ashton’s next move.
“Just send me your half of the rent every month,” he told her. “I’ll transfer it to the landlord.”
Lana frowned. “Does that include utilities? What about Wi-Fi?”
“How about you handle the Wi-Fi bill?” Ashton suggested.
Lana agreed—after all, Ashton had taken care of everything else. She wanted to contribute.
Years Go By—Until the Truth Explodes
For years, their arrangement worked smoothly. But one evening, Lana brought up the future.
“Ashton, we’ve been together for so long… Do you see us moving forward? Maybe buying a house?”
Ashton smiled. “Of course! I just didn’t think you wanted marriage yet.”
“I don’t need a big wedding,” Lana said. *”But I *do* want to stop renting. I’d rather put our money into a home.”*
Ashton hesitated. “That’s a great idea… but do we even have enough saved?”
“I’ve got some savings,” Lana said. “I just want us to start planning.”
Ashton agreed—but every time Lana brought it up again, he dodged the conversation. Does he even want a future with me? she wondered.
The Shocking Discovery
One Saturday, while Ashton was out picking up their usual Italian takeout, Lana tidied up their room. That’s when she spotted a pile of Ashton’s documents in the closet.
She never snooped—but something caught her eye. A paper with their address. And Ashton’s name.
Owner.
Her stomach dropped. This isn’t a rental agreement… Ashton OWNS this place?!
Before she could process it, Ashton walked in, holding their food. “Honey, I’m back! Dinner’s here!”
Lana stormed out, waving the papers. *”What the hell is this, Ashton?! You *own* this apartment?!”*
Ashton’s face went pale. “Why were you going through my stuff?”
“DON’T change the subject!” Lana yelled. *”You’ve been lying to me for *years*! I’ve been paying *your* mortgage!”*
The Ugly Truth Comes Out
Ashton finally confessed. “Okay, fine! My parents helped me buy this place after graduation. But the mortgage was too much for me alone, so I… needed your help.”
Lana’s blood boiled. *”You *lied*! You made me pay half—no, wait, probably *more* than half—of your mortgage! While you pocketed the rest!”*
“It’s not like that!” Ashton pleaded. “I was going to tell you—”
*”WHEN? After ten years? After we got *married?” Lana screamed. *”I could’ve saved so much money if we’d *actually* split things fairly!”*
Ashton tried to backtrack. “I’ll pay you back! Please, don’t leave. I love you—we’re getting married, remember?”
But Lana was done. *”Goodbye, Ashton. I want *nothing* from you—except my dignity back.”*
The Final Betrayal—And a Late Apology
Lana packed her bags and left, staying in a hotel until she found her own place. It was smaller, but it was hers—no lies, no secrets.
Ashton called endlessly, begging her to return. But Lana ignored him. Then, weeks later, her bank account suddenly lit up with a massive deposit.
Ashton had sent her thousands—the difference between what she actually paid and what she should’ve paid if they’d split things fairly.
Too little, too late. The trust was gone. Lana blocked his number and never looked back.
The Lesson?
Lies destroy love. Some couples might recover from betrayal—but for Lana, the deception was unforgivable.
Always check the paperwork. If Lana had seen the rental agreement years ago, she would’ve known the truth. Never let a partner control everything—because you never know what they’re hiding.
And most importantly: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut—before it’s too late.