My husband earns one of the most impressive salaries in the tri-state area. He provides for our family entirely on his own. When he proposed, he made it clear from the start that I'd never have to work another day in my life because he was taking over all my financial responsibilities. He told me I could finally relax and leave behind the daily grind that millions of women around the world have to face.
The catch is that he has a "former" life—an ex-wife and a child. Every month, he sends over a staggering amount of money to ensure they live in total comfort. If I'm the more sensitive, soft-spoken type, that woman is a total ice queen. Unlike me, she doesn't receive his support with gratitude; she takes it as her absolute due. He used to shower her with resort vacations, designer gifts, jewelry, and direct deposits. It was never enough for her. Even now, she's collecting rent on their old condo while still managing to squeeze extra cash out of him.
I'm nothing like her. If you put us in the same room, I'd look like a plain Jane next to her. I never go to him first to ask for money or luxury items. The only time I ever approach him for funds is if I need something for the house or for our kid.
I do my best to take care of him—cooking, cleaning, looking after his every need. Honestly, I'd love to work. I've grown quite bored staying home all these years, but just when I decided to jump back into the workforce, I discovered I was pregnant. I have zero personal savings because I've spent so long being completely dependent on him.
It's worth noting that my husband doesn't just hand over money for no reason. Perhaps he would have if I had set that precedent from the beginning. Instead, he's grown used to my modest requests, so he gives me exactly what I ask for and not a cent more. If I tell him I'm going to the salon, he asks how much the haircut costs and hands me the exact amount of the quote.
Recently, I've noticed him tightening the purse strings and becoming reluctant to spend on me at all. For instance, not long ago, he refused to let me buy a simple sundress for no apparent reason. I don't even have my own pocket change to buy our child a small treat when we're out at the park. Yet, his ex-wife keeps bleeding him dry just like she always has. I'm starting to suspect that he tried to cut her off once, testing her resolve, but she put him in his place so effectively that he had no choice but to cave to her demands.
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Just as I was celebrating the fact that my child would soon be starting preschool—meaning I could finally find a decent job—the news broke: I'm expecting again. In the wake of this discovery, a quiet depression is setting in because I don't see a way out of this situation.
Yes, there is money; yes, there's plenty of it. But it isn't mine. I won't be able to start earning my own for at least another three years. It hurts that he can't say no to her, and he certainly doesn't say no to himself—he goes wherever he wants and never has to check his balance. And why should he? It's his money. Meanwhile, I've given him one child and have another on the way, yet I'm left feeling like an outsider in my own life.
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