**Xbox Series X Limited Edition – $1,000**
**Xbox Ultimate Game Pass (1 Year) – $500**
**Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Set – $400**
**Accessory to the Xbox – $200**
**Luxury Convenience Store Purchase – $100**
**De Rés Tie – $1,000**
**De Rés Shoes – $2,500**
**De Rés Suit – $21,300**
**Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch – $71,000**
**Total: $98,000**
$98,000.
The number flashes before my eyes like a taunt, each item burned into my retinas.
I can't breathe.
My hands shake, my fingers twitching uselessly as my vision tunnels. I grip the counter, my nails scraping against the cold, smooth marble. I force myself to focus on something—anything—so my mind doesn't spiral further. The apple sitting by the edge of the counter becomes my anchor, its dull red color blurring as my pulse thunders in my ears.
This isn't happening. This *cannot* be happening.
I hadn't even transferred any money into my savings this month, and now it's just… gone?
