Chapter 1

Two months after our wedding, my husband Lucas suggested we split all our bills equally.

Living expenses, supporting our parents, social obligations, raising children - everything was to be split 50/50.

I accepted.

Later, he couldn't handle it himself.

He begged me to support him!

I kicked him out.

"Get lost, you jerk!"

My dad fell ill.

The doctor informed me that after deducting the health insurance coverage, we still needed to pay over $15,000 for the surgery.

I regretted buying a new car just last month.

I called my husband, Lucas.

"Honey, can you lend me $15,000? My dad needs surgery."

"We agreed to split our expenses equally, remember? We're each responsible for our own families," Lucas replied, his tone colder than that of a casual acquaintance.

I gritted my teeth, trying to stay calm. "I said 'lend.' I'll pay you back!"

"I don't have it. Figure it out yourself." He hung up without even a word of concern.

Furious, I threw my bag onto the chair. What a piece of trash I had chosen!

"Amelia, did you manage to borrow the money?" My mom asked, having heard the commotion.

"Yes, don't worry!" I lied.

Left with no choice, I called my boss at work.

"Boss, I have about $10,000 in commissions from last quarter that haven't been paid out yet. I was wondering if I could get an advance."

"What happened?" he asked.

I explained my dad's situation.

"Alright, I'll make an exception. If you need more, I can lend you some personally."

Seeing $15,000 deposited into my account, I covered my face and cried.

What had marriage given me? Nothing but a mess.

The respect and trust I earned through my own hard work and perseverance were worth so much more.