After 14 years of scrimping and saving—sometimes skipping meals and working extra hours—I finally bought my very first house. It was the culmination of every sacrifice I’d made, and the moment I got the keys, I couldn’t wait to celebrate with my girlfriend, Betty, who I’d been with just three months.

But when I opened the door that day, I was stunned. Betty showed up with her entire family—and even a lawyer with papers demanding to add her name to the deed. I was shocked and confused. How could she ask for that so soon? They pressed me hard, questioning whether I was serious about us and if I trusted her enough. Overwhelmed and unsure, I reluctantly agreed to sign, feeling cornered and betrayed.

Then, just as tension filled the room, laughter erupted. It turned out the whole thing was a prank. The “lawyer” was an actor, and Betty’s family had staged the moment, filming my reaction for a surprise video. Everyone laughed and teased me for being so gullible, but inside, I felt hurt and empty. My years of hard work felt like a joke.

Weeks later, Betty and I talked honestly about what happened. Despite the prank, I knew I loved her, and she loved me too. When I proposed, she said yes. The house is still mine, but more than that, we’re building a future together learning that true love is built on trust, not tests or tricks.