When a stunning stranger offered me $500 to pretend to be her boyfriend for three hours, I thought it was easy money. I had no idea it would nearly destroy everything I’d worked for.

I’m Anthony. I had a steady job at a marketing firm and supported my elderly mother. I didn’t have time for dating, only goals and deadlines.

Then I met Meredith.

She approached me in a café and offered $500 to pose as her boyfriend for lunch with her strict parents. I hesitated, but the money would cover Mom’s therapy, so I agreed.

We arrived at the restaurant—and I nearly fainted. Her father was David, my boss.

Lunch was tense. David quizzed me about work. Meredith’s mom adored me. But David’s final words chilled me: “Hurt my daughter, and you’ll never work in this industry again.”

Afterward, I told Meredith I was done. She smirked. “I’ll see you next week.” When I refused, she threatened to lie and ruin me.

What she didn’t know—I recorded our entire conversation.

The next day, I walked into David’s office, terrified. I told him everything and played the recording.

To my shock, he laughed.

“Meredith does this often. Her mom doesn’t know she prefers women. I let her keep up the act, but she’s gone too far.”

He thanked me for my honesty—and promoted me.

Meredith never contacted me again. Her charade ended, and my career took off.

Funny how $500 nearly wrecked my life—but telling the truth saved it.

And Mom? She’s doing great.