Getting that $2,500 bonus felt like everything I’d worked so hard for was finally paying off. I came home excited, thinking maybe this could even motivate Aaron — my unemployed husband — to get back on his feet. But what happened next was far from inspiring.
Beginning: The Perfect Husband Who Started to Fade
When Aaron and I first met, he was thoughtful, hardworking, and kind. I truly felt like the luckiest woman in the world when he proposed. But soon after we got back from our honeymoon, things started to change.
At first, it was little things — canceling date nights to play video games, “forgetting” to do the dishes, and that sweet morning coffee routine just vanished. The small gestures that used to make me smile became nothing more than memories.
Three years into our marriage, I couldn’t remember the last time he did something just to make me happy. But I held on, telling myself it was just a phase. Marriage is about sticking together through tough times, right?
Middle: The Breaking Point
Then came one Tuesday night. Aaron walked in from work and collapsed on the couch.
“Those guys at work don’t appreciate me. I nailed the analysis report and didn’t even get a thank you,” he muttered, staring at the ceiling.
I closed my laptop and walked over, ignoring the voice in my head reminding me we’d had this exact conversation at least twice a week for a month.
The next day, he quit. Just like that. No backup job. No plan.
So, I took over all the bills and even showed him where I kept my emergency stash.
“This is just for emergencies,” I warned. “Please, no ‘generous’ surprises.”
He nodded and promised to be careful.
But as time passed, his job search turned into hours of video games and YouTube tutorials on “how to get rich with crypto.” Meanwhile, I was working overtime, coming home to a messy house and a husband glued to a controller.
Then one Friday, my boss called me into his office. I was sure I was about to get fired.
Instead, he praised my work and handed me a check — a $2,500 bonus. I left the office floating.
When I told Aaron, he hugged me and said, “You deserve it, babe.”
But something in his voice gave me chills — too sweet, too smooth. I brushed it off.
The Blow: The Phone That Said It All
A few days later, Ruth — my judgmental mother-in-law — came over for dinner. The kind of guest who comments on the salt in the food and the dust on the windowsills.
That night, I was trying to keep my patience when I noticed something on the table — a brand-new iPhone 16 Pro Max, glistening under the dining room light.
I smiled and asked, “New phone? Who’s the generous one?”
She beamed. “Aaron bought it for me. He knows how to treat his mother right.”
My stomach dropped.
I quickly excused myself, ran to the bedroom, and checked my drawer.
Empty.
Over $3,000 I had saved — gone.
I wanted to scream, but I didn’t. I fixed my makeup, put on a smile, and went back to the table. If Aaron thought he could rob me to spoil his mother and get away with it, he was about to learn a lesson.
End: My Checkmate
Two days later, Aaron started hinting (again) about a high-end gaming laptop.
This time, I was ready.
“You know what? You’re right,” I told him sweetly. “You deserve it.”
I showed him an ad and even a confirmation email.
“Already ordered it,” I said. “It arrived this morning.”
His eyes lit up. “Where is it?!”
I smiled.
“Oh, I had it shipped to your mom’s house. Since you love treating her so much, I figured she could use it. Maybe she’ll start streaming Candy Crush.”
His face went pale.
“You sent my laptop to my mom?!”
I crossed my arms. “Oh, is it a problem when I spend my money on your mom? But it wasn’t when you did it behind my back?”
He finally realized what was happening.
“Okay, okay! I’m sorry!” he stammered. “I’ll return the phone! I’ll give you the money back!”
“You will — and you’ll deposit it in my new bank account. From now on, you have no access to my money.”
I handed him a job listing I had saved for this very moment.
“Good luck with your job hunt, babe. Your luxury ride ends here.”
The next few days were full of Aaron’s apologies and angry calls from Ruth.
“How dare you treat my son like that?!”, she yelled over the phone.
My response was simple: “You don’t steal from the person who pays your bills.”
Two weeks later, Aaron had a job.
Funny how fast motivation shows up when the safety net disappears.
Where do we go from here? Maybe marriage counseling — if he’s truly willing to work on it. But one thing is for sure: he’ll never touch my money again.
And if he tries anything like that again… his mother might be the only woman willing to deal with him. Though I doubt even Ruth will be up for that.