Why Should I Buy A House For My Girlfriend’s Father

My girlfriend found out that my water bottle cost $30,000. She then demanded I buy her father an $8 million luxury apartment in the city center.

I politely refused. She said furiously, “Don’t be so stingy! He’ll be your father-in-law someday. What’s wrong with getting a head start on being a good son-in-law?”

She even compiled all of our expenses during our relationship into a PowerPoint presentation and demanded we split everything.

“If splitting everything equally is too much trouble for you, then just cover it all. You can afford it!

“My family and I have already discussed it. I’ll give you a one-dollar gift. It means you're my only one. How perfect is that?”

When she noticed I was silent, she played her final card. “If you can’t agree, then let’s forget about getting married.

“You’ll never see me, your darling baby, ever again!”

I looked at the detailed list of expenses on the screen. It even included $2 she had spent on a bus ride to see me.

I smiled and said, “Sure. I’ll give you a $143-million gift, with more romantic meaning. And I’ll buy that apartment for your father right now.”

“That’s great, Miles! I knew you were a generous man!”

Joy Wren practically sprang from her chair and grabbed my hand in delight.

She then fished out a business card from her bag, as she had done a million times before. Then, she handed it to me. “Go to this developer, Grand Vigor Real Estate. I’ve already made an appointment with their manager, Mr. Wallace. He’s the top salesperson.”

I took the card. It was still warm from her hand, but a chill went through me.

She had planned this the whole time.

I drove us to the city center. Joy, who was sitting in the passenger seat, called her family excitedly.

“Dad! Miles said yes! We’re going to see the place now. Get there quickly!

“Hello? Uncle Bill? It’s Joy! Dad’s getting a new apartment. Yes! You should all come down. Please help us look it over, and tell us what you think!

“Hello? Aunt Mary…”

I stared ahead with an indifferent face. All I could hear was what sounded like a flock of sparrows chattering around me.

By the time we arrived at the sales office, I saw that Joy’s relatives had gotten there before us.

“Oh, Miles, you’re an absolute godsend for our family!”

Brenda, one of Joy's aunts, held my hand. “Absolutely! Joy is so lucky to land a catch like you. This is surely a gift from God.”

Mary chimed in from the side, but her eyes were fixed on the limited-edition watch on my wrist.

From the crowd, Mr. Wallace led us into the showroom.

It was a penthouse-style apartment of nearly 2,200 square feet. The unit was lavishly decorated and had an open, panoramic view.

Joy’s father, Patrick Wren, paced around the room with his hands clasped behind his back.

“These floor tiles won’t do. They need to