{"id":1020,"date":"2024-11-21T15:41:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1020"},"modified":"2024-11-21T15:41:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T15:41:53","slug":"my-husband-asked-me-to-bring-dinner-to-his-sick-mom-on-my-way-there-my-lawyer-called-me-shouting-go-back-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1020","title":{"rendered":"My Husband Asked Me to Bring Dinner to His Sick Mom \u2013 On My Way There, My Lawyer Called Me Shouting \u2018Go Back Now!\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' postimage_post-image__xnmzf src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c338997cc0991bab7ee5fdfc57a1416eb8eaf4af34511e3767e5ab2db52042e1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman in the kitchen source: shutterstock>\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div class='\"PostContent_thumb-title__SoMYI\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman in the kitchen\n<div class='\"InfoLine_wrapper__C_h_D\"'>\n<div class='\"ShareButtons_share-buttons-wrapper__IuyIK\"' data-testid='\"share-button-on-post-top\"'>\n\n<div class='\"ContentRenderer_content-container__XYPLT\"' data-io-article-url='\"https:\/\/amomama.com\/441965-my-husband-asked-me-to-bring-dinner-to.html?m=dob\"'>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36' contentrenderer_paragraph-first___d_vf>I was halfway to my mother-in-law\u2019s house with freshly baked lasagna when my lawyer\u2019s frantic call changed everything. \u201cGo back home. NOW,\u201d she shouted. What I walked into that night exposed the ugly sides of two of the closest people in my life.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I used to think my life was pretty stable. As a finance executive with a well-paying job, I had the kind of independence I\u2019d always wanted.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/GIGIu-xS_tf_n56HhO9RA1ey5WRNCovLYgfbYPs3KL4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjM0MDFmOTRmNzdkYjYxMzVkODFiNDAyMTNmN2Q1Zjc3NWM4N2M2YWZkMjIwMWRiMzZmZGJlZTU5ZWI4YjIzZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b3401f94f77db6135d81b40213f7d5f775c87c6afd2201db36fdbee59eb8b23e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman in her office source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman in her office\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My bills were paid, my fridge was full, and I could afford little luxuries here and there. It felt like I had everything under control until the day I discovered the truth about my husband, Matt.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That day, my carefully built life crumbled in ways I never saw coming.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Matt and I met eight years ago during a hiking trip organized by mutual friends. He was the kind of man who could charm a room without even trying.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/vRNi2eRUD4ip_gUd6ATaireRozWboFSjZFitVd1qedc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2IzOWI4ZThhYmM2MzBkMDEwZjA1YTk1YzkzMjFiOTg1MzAyZmJkZWQ0N2ZkYTQzY2JhYTIxYTJhZTg5MjA0My5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7b39b8e8abc630d010f05a95c9321b985302fbded47fda43cbaa21a2ae892043.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man standing outdoors source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man standing outdoors\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' advintextbuilder_slot-wrapper___oz3g advintextbuilder_slot-wrapper-second-floor__hfrmf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' primis_wrap__7mm2n>\n<div class='\"Primis_square__Ov8Dr\"' data-position='\"in_article_2_2\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/amomama_primis\"' data-slot-type='\"8\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_2_2\"' data-google-query-id='\"CI2u2-bO7IkDFbtxnQkdU6ohHw\"'>\n<div id='\"google_ads_iframe_\/21668216007\/amomama_primis_0__container__\"' class='\"primisslate\"'>\n<div id='\"primis_container_div\"'>\n<div id='\"primis_playerSekindoSPlayer673ebabc85ecc\"'>\n<div id='\"Player-Div-SekindoSPlayer673ebabc85ecc\"'>\n<div id='\"Video-Div-SekindoSPlayer673ebabc85ecc\"'>\n<div id='\"Video-iFrame-SekindoSPlayer673ebabc85ecc\"'>\n<div id='\"videoContainerDiv\"'>\n<div>\n<div><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/video.primis.tech%5C/uploads%5C/cn1%5C/video%5C/users%5C/converted%5C/24485%5C/video_5e29708217a15629198664%5C/vid6735cab222131964548621.jpg?cbuster=1731578548%5C%22">\n\n<div id='\"layoutContainerDiv\"'>\n<div id='\"layoutDesign\"'>\n<div id='\"topLeftElements\"'>\n<div id='\"titleObj\"'>\n<div id='\"titleTxt\"'>Holidaymaker saved street dog in Morocco spending \u00a33k bringing her back to UK\n\n\n<div id='\"topRightElements\"'>\n<div id='\"primisLogoWrapper\"'>\n<div id='\"primisLogo\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div id='\"pixelsDiv\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I remember how his easy smile made everyone laugh, even as we trudged up steep trails. By the time the weekend ended, I was sure I\u2019d just met one of the most intriguing people in my life.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But we didn\u2019t start dating right away.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For two years, we stayed friends, texting back and forth, occasionally meeting for coffee, and sharing bits of our lives. Matt was always fun to be around, even if I noticed a stubborn streak in him.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/P25Q4gcPtLOBkzfxAl2Z3X0RpRViANbsIXRyUREEY-s\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGIzODg3ZmI2NmVjYjJlMzU0MGM0ZWZjMGIzMGZmYWIxYjg0MGM5YjhiZTNmYzBkZjU1YzNhNmUzZmRjNWRlZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/db3887fb66ecb2e3540c4efc0b30ffab1b840c9b8be3fc0df55c3a6e3fdc5def.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man standing in his house source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man standing in his house\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He had this knack for insisting things go his way, whether it was the restaurant we picked for lunch or the plans we made for a weekend. I chalked it up to his confident personality and let it slide. After all, nobody\u2019s perfect.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Three years after that hiking trip, Matt and I got married. I thought we were ready for the next step, even if our friendship-turned-relationship had hiccups.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sure, he could be frustrating at times, especially concerning money. He\u2019d often borrow small amounts from me, promising to pay me back after his next paycheck.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/5-feI_E2bGHFY2a5iPq0slFKhC1oAmiMPo-mEbr006Q\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTgxYWRjOTQ5ZGQxOWQzMmU0ODI3OGUyMTY1MjU1ZjFkMjQ4ZTMzMjFlODQyN2MyMGFhMDU4YThkNWEwODQxYi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/181adc949dd19d32e48278e2165255f1d248e3321e8427c20aa058a8d5a0841b.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' man counting money source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man counting money\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Honestly, I didn\u2019t mind helping him out. I told myself it was part of building a future together.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But marriage brought out a different side of Matt, and I wasn\u2019t prepared for it.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Slowly, I realized his mother, Linda, played an outsized role in his life. She was fiercely protective of Matt. It often felt like I was competing with her for his attention.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>And Matt? He\u2019d always side with his mother whenever there was a conflict. I hated how he\u2019d always brush off my concerns as overreactions.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/_0WvP9jzJ7pHKiNeSjrI5hIu0_6JhHNg0pLg9l-4x40\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2Y3MDNjODdlYjQyOGNmYjI1MmExOGFkMmEwZDYzMDlkMDhiMjNkYTAwOGUyMThmMWU0YTEzYWJmZmFjYzk2Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cf703c87eb428cfb252a18ad2a0d6309d08b23da008e218f1e4a13abffacc96b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman standing in her house source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman standing in her house\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Once, when I asked him why he prioritized her opinions over mine, he said, \u201cShe\u2019s my mom, Demi. She\u2019s been there for me my whole life. I can\u2019t just ignore her.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Honestly, his words hurt. I didn\u2019t expect him to defend what he did, but I somehow convinced myself it wasn\u2019t a big deal. After all, family dynamics are always complicated, right?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I always let such things slide and kept holding on to the hope that things would get better. I thought Matt would grow out of this habit of putting his mother first and learn to balance his priorities.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/PoQdLKfNPstqyP0E6Ul16ALLz_67XbyyXp_bV34VchU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjg1ZTM0NzY5MTNhNDU1ZTM2YzhlNmNmNjVmOWE0ZTEwZjhjOTBmMDQ0MmIwZDhkZDBiMjQ4MzU0YTI4ZmM5Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/685e3476913a455e36c8e6cf65f9a4e10f8c90f0442b0d8dd0b248354a28fc96.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man looking straight ahead source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man looking straight ahead\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But the cracks in our relationship only widened as time went on, and I began to wonder if I\u2019d been too naive about what love and partnership really meant.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Little did I know, I hadn\u2019t even seen the worst of it yet. Fate had a much bigger revelation in store for me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Looking back, I should have seen the warning signs with Matt. He had a taste for expensive things but never seemed to spend his own money on them.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/vnQ9eImJmQNOteBBMIrdA2iimZpPkU_jFDHjEz74kgw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzY1OTI1NDEwNThjMGIxNjA5YTRkZWRmYzNkMjdiZWJiODQzODE3OWQ2Njc2N2IzMTZjYmUxYWIzZWRmMzIyNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c6592541058c0b1609a4dedfc3d27bebb8438179d66767b316cbe1ab3edf3225.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding dollar bills source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding dollar bills\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Early in our relationship, he\u2019d often \u201cborrow\u201d from me, spinning stories about how it was for investments or thoughtful gifts for his mother.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe\u2019re building something together,\u201d he\u2019d say with a disarming grin.\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Spoiler alert: I never saw a single dime of those so-called investments.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Meanwhile, Linda, his mother, was another story entirely.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She had this way of making me feel like I was never good enough for her precious son. What I hated the most was that she\u2019d always find flaws whenever we bought her a gift.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/GZQOqYLgaRQjSx3RPso6FUDWRJK0Cb7IoJzdfKeDJvE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTk5YWZlYjgyNTJiZjIwOWM1NzhhYjViN2RjMDY5NjhmYzM0YjA3MDRmN2JlZDFjYmE2M2VjN2EwMGE0NzExYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a99afeb8252bf209c578ab5b7dc06968fc34b0704f7bed1cba63ec7a00a4711c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman standing in a living room source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman standing in a living room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We got her a new microwave a few months ago, thinking she\u2019d like it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' advintextbuilder_slot-wrapper___oz3g>\n<div class='\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"'>\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s nice, but why isn\u2019t it a smart one?\u201d she said, rolling her eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The expensive spa day Matt and I treated her to? She thought the masseuse was terrible.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It didn\u2019t matter how much effort I put in. Linda would always find a way to criticize.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Still, I tried to be the bigger person. I wanted a good relationship with her for Matt\u2019s sake and, yes, for mine too.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Kx6p6kcRS-fmK8sZweP9wR9vNMQ5-RiMMZhZ_WQuQTw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmY2NTQxYjhlMzQ0MTA2ZjAxNTkyMjNhMGVjMjgxYWZmZmVkOGU3MzQ0YWIyMTdmNGUxZWNiZjgwZGRkNTQ5Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ff6541b8e344106f0159223a0ec281afffed8e7344ab217f4e1ecbf80ddd5492.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' upset woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An upset woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I thought if I kept showing her kindness, she\u2019d eventually come around. But kindness doesn\u2019t always win, does it?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then there was Matt\u2019s behavior about money.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' advintextbuilder_slot-wrapper___oz3g>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' advslots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf advslots_adv-square-wrap__bxsu_>\n<div class='\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_4\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_04\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_4-3\"' class='\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"' data-google-query-id='\"CL-ku-bO7IkDFXerZgIdLrcM2w\"'>\n<div id='\"google_ads_iframe_\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_04_1__container__\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His borrowing habits didn\u2019t stop after we got married. They got worse.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It wasn\u2019t just for his \u201cinvestments\u201d anymore. There were always reasons tied back to Linda. \u201cMom needs a new recliner,\u201d he\u2019d say.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Or, \u201cMom\u2019s birthday is coming up, and I want to get her something special.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>And every time, I\u2019d cave.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/gINTjzTXBfJRJkXQ5BJCA8B5dlNftL5GKEyDYLRfURY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmM5NWQ5NWQ1ZGIyOTFhMWNjMTNmNzhkZDAwZDBlMWJkYmFiYTE1NjEzYTkxNzJiNWE3ZWFiOGIwMTk5YjkzNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/bc95d95d5db291a1cc13f78dd00d0e1bdbaba15613a9172b5a7eab8b0199b936.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man talking to his wife source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man talking to his wife\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I told myself it was just money and that relationships required compromise. I wanted to believe we were building something together, even if it felt like I was the only one contributing.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The night everything changed started like any other. Linda had been feeling unwell, or at least that\u2019s what Matt claimed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe hasn\u2019t eaten anything all day,\u201d he said, his brow furrowed with concern.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That evening, we were supposed to meet with the real estate agent to finalize the purchase of the house we\u2019d been renting for five years.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/f1q1Fyx5N1_mnTcWztDEC2A_iPy8nvSw1G_FMLApc4g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzU3ZmQ2OTI3MWVhN2IyMGUzN2U5OTE1ZTg4OTg2OTJjYjg4NzBkMzhkZDU5OGE3Y2VlZTQwMmI0MjY0NmUzNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/357fd69271ea7b20e37e9915e8898692cb8870d38dd598a7ceee402b42646e35.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' doorknob source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A doorknob\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was supposed to be a milestone moment for us. A dream we\u2019d worked toward for so long. I couldn\u2019t wait to sign the papers and officially call the place ours.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But Matt seemed distracted. As we sat down to discuss the paperwork, he sighed dramatically.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe\u2019ll have to reschedule,\u201d he said. \u201cMom\u2019s really not doing well.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cReschedule?\u201d I asked. \u201cMatt, we\u2019ve been waiting for this moment for years. Can\u2019t we check on her after the meeting?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/julw0pvedacnfwYDK7vXqozHekBD7hrbVoET7f7vdA8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDEzMDJlNGI4ZDgzMmNlYTM3MTRjNmU0NTQ1NjU1YTkzNThlNGVmNDdmMDJmZGZlODE1ODg4MTM5Mjk5MmE2OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/41302e4b8d832cea3714c6e4545655a9358e4ef47f02fdfe8158881392992a69.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' worried woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A worried woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe hasn\u2019t eaten all day, Demi,\u201d he repeated, his tone sharper this time. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of her. Can you bring her some of your lasagna? You know how much she loves it.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat about the house?\u201d I asked. \u201cWe need to finalize everything tonight.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d he said, brushing me off. \u201cWe can do it another day.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Something about his tone felt off, but I pushed the thought aside. After all, he was just worried about his mom, right?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/PMcwIvsAatGQGt_UPnk56lTYOzjKZbwp38ou5yurRY0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzE0ZDdkZTViYmRjZDQ4ODU1ZmQ4Mjc4YzAyMzk3OTg2MDEyM2QxNzk3YjU0YTM2ZDA0YWZhYjQ3ODM5NmY1Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/314d7de5bbdcd48855fd8278c023979860123d1797b54a36d04afab478396f5b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looking at her husband source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looking at her husband\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Despite our differences, Linda loved my lasagna. The cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece always brought compliments from her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I figured that if making it for her when she was at her lowest could help mend the tension between us, it was worth the effort. So, I sighed, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As the lasagna baked, I couldn\u2019t help but think about the sacrifices Matt and I had made to save for the house. We had skipped vacations, turned down fancy dinners, and worked overtime to make this dream a reality.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The house was supposed to be a fresh start for us.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/eVLTlAG5WrHdCkc_oQAOMtNi1-Oox82cZHcyQT_XC6I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDY0N2VhOWM0YzA1ZDdiYzY3OWJiZGUxNzk1NGExMDFmZWQ2NTQ1YTE1ZWFiMjI4MWQ1ZjZjYThiMDU4MDNlMy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d647ea9c4c05d7bc679bbde17954a101fed6545a15eab2281d5f6ca8b05803e3.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman standing in the kitchen source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman standing in the kitchen\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Legally, the house would be in Matt\u2019s name because of some complicated inheritance issues, but it didn\u2019t bother me. In our state, property acquired during marriage was split 50-50 in the event of a divorce.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I trusted Matt, even if the arrangement left a small knot of unease in my stomach.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I remember it was around 6 p.m. when I got into my car with the lasagna still warm. Matt told me he had some work meeting that he needed to attend, so he couldn\u2019t accompany me.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/PEVcbQEnzIrvYVG04h6JXh9bgFt3bfSGD7bO-BOzu4g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjQ1ZmZkODFhODYwY2E5N2MwYTc4NzIzNWJhMzA0MTgyYjU1OGZmM2FlZGVlYTZkZDZkZGIzZjBlYTE0OWQ0Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4Mg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/645ffd81a860ca97c0a787235ba304182b558ff3aedeea6dd6ddb3f0ea149d42.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman driving a car source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1282\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman driving a car\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>About 20 minutes after leaving the house, my phone buzzed. It was Sarah, my lawyer. She never called after work hours unless it was urgent.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHi,\u201d I said. \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cGo back home. NOW,\u201d she shouted into the phone.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat? Sarah, what\u2019s going on?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s Matt,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re at your house\u2026 with a real estate agent. You need to get back immediately.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018they\u2019?\u201d I asked, already turning the car around.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/tmZmSiQKvK7O7T_Y7OAiVJDznmtkdMuGs8QxKNvPEOU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2ZmNTlmMDU2ZGM0NWZhM2FkMGZjNjA0NjcyMjA2ODFmZDI4MmZiZTI2YmVkMjNlOGIxZjM4MmEyNzlkODUxNy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cff59f056dc45fa3ad0fc60467220681fd282fbe26bed23e8b1f382a279d8517.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' person gripping the steering wheel source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A person gripping the steering wheel\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMatt and Linda,\u201d she said, her tone clipped. \u201cThey\u2019re signing paperwork to put the house in Linda\u2019s name.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat the heck?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cJust get back home now!\u201d she said before hanging up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I pulled into the driveway, my hands were shaking so badly that I could barely unbuckle my seatbelt.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Inside, the scene was worse than I\u2019d imagined.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Matt was standing in the living room holding the papers he had been hiding from me. Linda was next to him and didn\u2019t look sick at all.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/3u629XkxL2UWbB5kjIT8RpmYVMmYsnaKEk50Mnvc8RY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzZiOWFiOWVjNjViM2ZkNmM4MDA5YTQ5NzNjN2YzNWNkYTU2MjA1ZWUwMTI4YmUzMDc1NjM0NWZjMGU2MmQ1Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c6b9ab9ec65b3fd6c8009a4973c7f35cda56205ee0128be30756345fc0e62d5c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man standing in his house source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man standing in his house\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Meanwhile, the real estate agent shifted uncomfortably. It looked like she regretted being involved in this.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat is going on here?\u201d I demanded.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Matt stepped forward. \u201cBabe, listen\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo,\u201d Sarah interrupted, stepping into the room behind me. She must have followed right after I told her I was about to reach home. \u201cLet me spell it out for her since you clearly can\u2019t be honest.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then she turned to me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThey were about to transfer the house into Linda\u2019s name,\u201d she said. \u201cYour house, Demi. The one you saved for.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/4g-DNQWdDs9osJRW9JyLHiGjiRT6Ohw61qUdRj4UjhE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmE0MWYzMjFkNzRjYmU5NWFmYWIxMjQxODEyZWI1N2Y5ZTIxMGRlMmI1YmVjYmZlYWU3NjlhZTYwNTg4Y2U0Ny5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/fa41f321d74cbe95afab1241812eb57f9e210de2b5becbfeae769ae60588ce47.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looking straight ahead source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looking straight ahead\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stared at Matt, unable to process what I was looking at.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhy?\u201d I whispered. \u201cWhy would you do this?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Linda folded her arms as her lips curled into a condescending smile.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s simple,\u201d she said. \u201cMatt has always been my son first and I need to protect what\u2019s his. You can\u2019t trust everyone these days, you know.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was speechless.\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/rqHjyRA6XCbA3drRgzl3gKpi8Ki0MF97R_ifcEgoBPc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWE3NTAyZjNjNjdhMjg4NGVlNWJhNThjNmRmOWYyYzdkZjRmNWJjYjUwZGIzMDQ0N2MzZDJmNWI4Y2M1NTczZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5a7502f3c67a2884ee5ba58c6df9f2c7df4f5bcb50db30447c3d2f5b8cc5573d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman in her house source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman in her house\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut that\u2019s not all,\u201d Sarah interrupted. \u201cI did some digging after the agent flagged this deal. Linda\u2019s been planning for Matt to marry someone else. Her friend\u2019s daughter. They were going to push for a divorce, leave you with nothing, and move forward like you didn\u2019t even exist.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My chest tightened as the room spun.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou planned this? With her?\u201d I turned to Matt. \u201cI trusted you, Matt. I gave you everything. Do you even realize what you\u2019ve done?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s not like that,\u201d Matt stammered, still avoiding my eyes. \u201cMom just thought it was best\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Eu0X9-2Q1rTytJd053QAZAkA1Dt4ntkRPBrZPQDslwQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2M5Nzg1MjZjMWNhYWFhNzlkNDBhODE1MDhkM2I4YjY2MzFhMzM5MWNhOTgwMWYwYjYxZTBhZDA2ZjQwMGFkNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cc978526c1caaaa79d40a81508d3b8b6631a3391ca9801f0b61e0ad06f400ad5.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' worried man source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A worried man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBest?\u201d I cut him off. \u201cBest for who? You? Her? What about me, Matt? I built this life with you. I sacrificed for this house. For us. And you were ready to erase me like I was nothing!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' advintextbuilder_slot-wrapper___oz3g>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' advslots_adv-square-wrap__va0pf advslots_adv-square-wrap__bxsu_>\n<div class='\"AdvSlots_adv-square__246sC\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_1\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_com_intext_01\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_1-12\"' class='\"AdvSlots_slot__YAMh2\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDemi, I\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSave it,\u201d I snapped, shaking my head. \u201cYou don\u2019t deserve my forgiveness, and you certainly don\u2019t deserve me.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/cYAjNPLQTJgyzikg47IqO1ythcvhTSupH3lfLIltQq4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGJhYzJkZWNmN2E4NDYyZjJhMzUzOTEzOTNhYjgyMjg0NTkzYTNkYTM4NzhlOWRjMzBmMjk2OGNmMDZhNzE0My5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8bac2decf7a8462f2a35391393ab82284593a3da3878e9dc30f2968cf06a7143.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman talking to her husband source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman talking to her husband\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sarah stepped in and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Demi. The house isn\u2019t sold yet, and we have all the evidence we need to fight this.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As I turned to leave, I felt a strange sense of clarity. This wasn\u2019t the end of my life. It was just the end of a bad chapter. And I was ready to write a better one.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next few months were a blur of paperwork, tears, and laughter.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/3iy4za_V_ZdIvvL30-ixzW8nnIyrdKjlEpx7j-oDwCA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODAyZTkwOTU1MzkwMmE3Y2JhZjI4N2YwZDZlNjYwZGRmODBjODM3NmRkZjAyY2E5Njk2MjhjYWI2NjEzODQ1NC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/802e909553902a7cbaf287f0d6e660ddf80c8376ddf02ca969628cab66138454.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' person looking at a document source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A person looking at a document\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sarah helped me file for divorce and Matt\u2019s betrayal made it easy to win everything I was owed. Because Matt\u2019s financial contributions were laughably small, he walked away with stuff like a lamp and a blender.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>In the aftermath, I grew closer to Sarah, and we became good friends.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The real estate agent who saved the day? She also became our close friend.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Six months later, I worked with the same agent to buy a new house. This time, it was only mine, and I didn\u2019t have to share it with a greedy man like Matt.\n\n</p><div>\n</div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>