Recognize the Wrong One, Love the Right One

The happy memories we once shared were shattered. Now, all Mark could think about was climbing the social ladder.

"Mark, your family is so petty. Are you really going to break up with me over 60,000 dollars?"

My words hit him where it hurt. Mark hated being looked down on because of money.

Sure enough, after hearing these words, he exploded. "Just 60,000 dollars? Do you have any idea how much work it took for my parents to save that money? How many years of frugal living? We wouldn't be struggling if it weren't for marring you!"

I hadn't even married into their family, and Mark was already blaming me for all their hardships.

In one sentence, he dumped their years of suffering onto me.

"They'd have to work regardless of whether or not you're marrying me."

I shot back.

Mark was too angry to respond, so Jane chimed in from the couch, "Look at her—this is the woman you chose. No respect! She even dares to speak to me and your father like this."

She dramatically flopped onto the floor, pounding her fists and wailing.

Mark rushed to her side, and continued to hurl insults at me, "Diana, my mom was right about you. You're just a gold digger! You have been with me only for money. You don't deserve to marry into my family—get out!"

Finally, the words I had been waiting for. I had no desire to stay in that cramped little house any longer.

But I wasn't going to leave without getting my parting shot in.

"Mark, next time you insult someone, make sure you know your worth. If I were with you for money, I'd be starving by now. What's there to dig in your family? That tiny apartment? I don't even want it!"

After unloading on them, I felt a wave of satisfaction.

I slammed the door so hard the whole building must have heard, and walked out proudly with the 60,000 dollars still in my pocket.

It wasn't like my family needed the money, but I wasn't about to turn down free cash.