I Investigated My Ex for Billion-Dollar Tax Fraud

By my sophomore year, I had gone through quite a transformation. My previously sun-kissed skin had returned to a porcelain tone, and I began wearing Victorian-style dresses while trying out new hairstyles. The boys who once teased and mocked me now turned red whenever they saw me. On the first day of the new school year, Amias watched me for a long time, seemingly at a loss for words. After I confessed my feelings to him once more, Amias finally agreed to be my boyfriend.

That night, back in my dormitory, I was too excited to sleep. My roommates shared in my happiness, not just because I was in love, but because I had finally found my confidence. "Malani, remember that you're amazing, and you deserve to be loved by anyone," they said with genuine warmth. In that moment, I felt like the happiest person alive. My academics were going well, my roommates were supportive, and I had made numerous friends. Best of all, my long-time crush, Amias, was now my boyfriend.

Later in the evening, I called my grandmother, Emiliana. When she asked if I was seeing anyone, I found myself smiling and blushing, "Yes, I am. I'll bring him home during the summer break so you can meet him."