Chapter 1

My husband, Eric, secretly transferred all the money we saved for my mom's life-saving surgery.

He gave it all to his "poor," "helpless" widowed sister-in-law.

When I confronted him, he just shrugged and said, "She needed it for a down payment. It's urgent.

"Your mom's treatment plan isn't even finalized yet. What's the big deal? She can wait."

I looked at the man I had given everything for.

And suddenly, I felt nothing but ice in my veins.

This marriage was over.

*****

The bank notification popped up on my phone just as I was double-checking the medical funds for my mom on the calculator.

The doctor's words echoed in my ears: "We recommend trying the imported medication. Better efficacy. But it's expensive, and insurance won't cover it."

"Transfer: $150,000.00. Balance..."

One hundred and fifty thousand?!

My mind went blank, and I felt all the blood drain from my face.

I had begged family and friends to help gather that money.

It was my mom's chance to live.

Eric knew that.

Just this morning, he'd held me and said, "Don't worry, Jess. If the money isn't enough, we'll find a way. Your mom will be okay."

But the transfer record was crystal clear.

The recipient was Sophia Lewis.

Eric's young, widowed sister-in-law.

The woman who always looked like she was about to cry, with those dewy eyes.

The one who constantly said, "Eric, I have no one else to turn to."

With trembling hands, I called Eric.

I could hear the noisy background of what sounded like a business dinner.

"Hey, babe? I'll be home soon," he said.

My voice was tight, struggling to contain my anger. "The one hundred and fifty thousand. Who did you transfer it to?"

Silence on the other end for a few seconds.

Then came his slightly slurred, casual reply. "Oh, that. I sent it to Sophia. She found a small apartment to settle into, but was short on the down payment.

"The seller was pressuring her, so I just moved the money over to help her out. Forgot to mention it."

"You moved it to help her out?!" I couldn't believe him.

I was shaking with rage, tears springing to my eyes. "Eric! That's my mother's lifesaving money. It's for her medication and treatment. How could you just transfer it to your sister-in-law for a down payment without even talking to me?"

His tone instantly turned defensive and annoyed. "Jessica, stop yelling.

"Your mom's treatment isn't even confirmed yet. Besides, the doctor only said it's a recommendation.

"Sophia's deal is contractually bound. The closing is pending. She'd face penalties if she defaults. Can't you see which is more urgent right now?"

"Seriously? You think that's the bigger emergency?" I shot back, voice trembling with disbelief.

I was on the verge of completely breaking down. "My mom's life is less important than your sister-in-law's apartment? Eric, are you insane?!"

"Don't be a fool." Eric snapped back, his voice rising. "My brother died young. My sister-in-law and her kid only have us to turn to now. If we don't help her, who will?

"Can't you find a little compassion? Money is just money, but people matter.

"It's not like your mom needs the money this very second. I'll replace it with my year-end bonus. Why are you making such a huge deal out of this?"

"Your year-end bonus..." I repeated the words, my heart feeling like it was being ripped apart. "Do you think my mom's condition can wait? That was my mom's lifesaving money. You didn't even have the decency to tell me."

"And if I had told you, would you have agreed?" Eric's voice was cold as ice. "Jessica, I'm starting to think all you care about is your mom. Do you even care about this family anymore?

"Part of the savings was money I earned. I have a right to use it. Helping your mom is one thing, but helping my brother's widow is my responsibility. Don't be so selfish."

"I'm selfish? All I care about is my mom?" I choked out, my voice trembling with disbelief.

A wave of utter despair washed over me. "Ever since we got married, I've worked tirelessly for this family, pinching every penny, just to ease your burden and save for emergencies.

"And now? The money meant to save my mom's life, you just casually 'move' to help someone else. What do you take me for? What do you take this family for?!"

"Enough." Eric cut me off sharply. "I'm sick of your penny-pinching attitude. It's just one hundred and fifty thousand. The world isn't ending!

"If you're so upset, consider it a loan from me, okay? I'll scrape together every cent to pay you back. Just stop this endless drama."

Click. The call ended abruptly.

Listening to the dial tone, I collapsed onto the cold floor.

Hugging my knees, I sobbed uncontrollably.

In that moment, my heart froze solid.

This marriage was over.