Grace's POV
"... splitting the bill is pretty standard," I said, attempting to justify my position.
"Split the bill?" Carlos's brow furrowed. "What man makes his woman pay half?"
"..." I clamped my mouth shut after that. I couldn't tell if Carlos or I was the one lacking basic understanding of dating etiquette.
Though maybe we both were completely clueless.
My mind drifted to Charles, who had consistently manipulated me into covering every expense during our outings. He'd orchestrate this humiliating charade where I'd secretly slip him my wallet beneath the table, allowing him to extract my credit card before summoning the waiter.
This way, he could 'settle the tab' with 'his' card.
He claimed it protected his masculine pride, insisting I shouldn't humiliate my boyfriend, so I bit my tongue despite financing every single outing.
Looking back, I realized what a complete fool I'd been.
"Let's head out now. I don't want us running behind schedule," Carlos announced.
