“You start by carrying the cost yourself.”
***
The next morning, I canceled the flights. The refund went back into the anniversary fund. Then I moved the savings into an account that Chris couldn’t access without my approval.
When he asked if I was leaving, I told him the truth.
“I’m not deciding that today, but the marriage where your family gets my loyalty while I get your excuses is over.”
I told him the truth.
We started counseling. It wasn’t a promise that I would stay. It was Chris’s chance to prove that he understood what he’d done.
He repaid the money himself, even selling his motorcycle.
***
Months later, he placed the final deposit slip on the kitchen counter.
“It’s all back,” he said.
“The money is.”
“It’s all back.”
He nodded. “I know that doesn’t restore your trust.”
Serena complained in the family chat, so I sent one message.
“I paid for Henry and Tarryn. Everyone else paid for what they ordered. I won’t apologize for that.”
Then I muted the chat.
***
Six months later, Serena invited us to a diner.
When the server arrived, Chris answered first.
I muted the chat.
“Separate checks by household.”
Serena sighed. “Like always.”
Chris met her eyes. “Yes. Like always.”
Outside, he told me that he’d started saving for our trip again.
“Do you think we’ll go?”
“Keep saving,” I said. “Trust takes longer than money.”
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