I met Gregor when I was over 40. I wasn’t actively looking for anything serious at that point in my life, as I had focused primarily on my career and personal growth for the past few decades. However, something about Gregor was different, and we hit it off immediately. He was charming, witty, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me for who I was, not just what I did. Our first year of marriage was like a never-ending honeymoon. We traveled, we laughed, we built a life together that I truly cherished. It felt like all the pieces of my life had finally fallen into place, and I couldn’t imagine anything ever disrupting our happiness. We complemented each other in ways I never thought possible. He supported my ambitions, and I, in turn, became his biggest cheerleader. We were a team, a partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering love. I often found myself marveling at how lucky I was to have found such a wonderful man later in life, when so many others seemed to have settled for less. I truly believed we were destined to grow old together, hand in hand, facing whatever life threw our way. Little did I know, our idyllic world was about to come crashing down, revealing a side of Gregor I never knew existed.
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Then disaster struck. I lost my job when my company went bankrupt, a devastating blow that sent shockwaves through my entire being. The company had been struggling for months, but I had held onto hope that we would pull through. When the announcement finally came, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. Not only was I suddenly unemployed, but I also felt a deep sense of failure and uncertainty about the future. I had poured my heart and soul into that company for years, and to see it all crumble before my eyes was absolutely heartbreaking. The financial strain was immediate and immense. Our savings dwindled quickly as we struggled to keep up with mortgage payments and other essential bills. I knew I had to find a new job as soon as possible, but the job market was tough, and I faced rejection after rejection. The stress began to take a toll on both me and Gregor, and the cracks in our seemingly perfect marriage began to show.
When I told Gregor about my job loss, his reaction was far from supportive. He was clearly annoyed, and his initial response sent a dagger straight through my heart. “What, now I’m the breadwinner?” he said, his voice laced with dissatisfaction. I was absolutely shocked by his callousness. I had expected sympathy, understanding, and reassurance, but instead, I received a cold dose of reality. It felt as though he was blaming me for the company’s failure, as if I had intentionally sabotaged my career to burden him financially. His words stung like a slap in the face, and I couldn’t believe that the man I loved could be so insensitive. In that moment, I began to question everything I thought I knew about our relationship. Was our love truly unconditional, or was it contingent upon my ability to contribute financially? The disappointment was crushing, and I struggled to reconcile the loving husband I had known with the cold, resentful man standing before me.
Driven by a desperate need to contribute, I quickly took a job as a cleaner to help us stay afloat. It was a far cry from my previous career, and the work was physically demanding and emotionally draining. However, I swallowed my pride and embraced the opportunity, knowing that every penny I earned would help ease the financial burden on Gregor. I worked tirelessly, cleaning houses and offices, scrubbing toilets and mopping floors. I came home exhausted every night, my body aching and my spirit weary. Yet, I persevered, driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to prove to Gregor that I was not a burden. I longed for his appreciation and support, but instead, I often received criticism and complaints. He seemed to resent my new job, viewing it as beneath him and a reflection of our diminished circumstances. The chasm between us grew wider, and our once loving relationship became strained and tense. I felt increasingly isolated and alone, as if I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.
Fast forward to Gregor’s 45th birthday. He decided to throw a big, lavish party at a fancy restaurant, inviting all of his friends, family, and colleagues. I was surprised by his extravagance, given our financial situation, but I assumed he was trying to put on a brave face and maintain appearances. I helped him plan the party, meticulously arranging every detail to ensure that it would be a memorable occasion. I even splurged on a new dress, hoping to feel confident and beautiful amidst the crowd of well-dressed guests. As the party got underway, I tried my best to mingle and make conversation, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong. I felt like an imposter, a cleaner in a room full of successful professionals. I longed to escape and retreat to the safety of my own home, but I knew I had to stay and support Gregor.
When his sister gave a toast to how lucky he was to have me, I initially felt touched and grateful. Her words seemed genuine and heartfelt, and I momentarily forgot about the struggles and tensions that had plagued our marriage in recent months. I smiled at Gregor, hoping to catch his eye and share a moment of connection, but his gaze was distant and preoccupied. Then, Gregor stood up to give his own speech, and my heart sank as I sensed that something was amiss. His voice was unsteady, and his eyes were glazed over, suggesting that he had consumed a bit too much alcohol. He began by thanking everyone for coming and expressing his gratitude for their friendship and support. Then, he turned his attention to me, and my blood ran cold as I braced myself for what was to come. What he said next changed everything.
He said, “Oh, I know I’m lucky, but she’s basically my dependent now. [“I’D HAVE KICKED HER OUT IF SHE WASN’T SO OBEDIENT. It’s just a pity I invested all that money in her.”]” The room went silent, and I turned crimson with embarrassment and rage. He was laughing, a cruel, mocking laugh that echoed through the room. But his laughter only lasted for the first three minutes because I decided to take matters into my own hands, revealing a secret that would shatter his carefully constructed world and leave him speechless. The details of my revenge are something I’ll save for another time, but let’s just say that Gregor learned a valuable lesson about underestimating the woman he thought he controlled.
