Shattered Dreams: When Love Becomes a Nightmare

Liana and I were college classmates and had moved to Washington to work after graduation.

In such a new and unfamiliar environment, it was easy for the two of us to cling to each other, and naturally, we ended up together.

After two years of dating, we got married and settled down in Washington.

To afford the new house, my family had to sell an old house to cover the down payment, and Liana and I jointly paid off the remaining mortgage.

Liana often complained to me that her female colleagues didn't have to help their husbands with mortgage payments. Instead, they spent whatever they earned as they pleased. How carefree they must be!

I felt guilty because after being with me, she definitely wasn't living as comfortably as she used to. But wasn't it worth it for us to have a stable home in the city?

This was also why we had delayed having children. Our financial condition simply wouldn't allow it.

Earlier this year, the company had a good run, and I was promoted to middle management. My income doubled, so I finally felt comfortable bringing up the idea of having a baby.

That night, I clung to her, kissing and cuddling, but she initially pushed me away with annoyance, saying coldly, "I'm exhausted from work. Leave me alone."

I was riding high on my career success, feeling more confident than ever, so I didn't give up. I leaned in and whispered, "If you're tired, how about quitting your job?"

She scoffed sarcastically, "Quit my job? And what, will you support me? Let the mortgage payments lapse?"

Turning her back to me, she made it clear that the discussion was over.

I was too familiar with this tactic. It was her way of shutting me down, and after so many rejections, I had grown tired of trying.

But that night was different. I quietly mentioned the pay raise I had just received.

"How much?" She instantly perked up, propping herself up on one elbow, her hair a tangled mess, staring at me with wide eyes.

I held up five fingers before letting my hand fall onto her breast. "From now on, I'll take care of the mortgage payments."

There was no resistance this time. Actually, she responded with such enthusiasm that it almost felt exaggerated.

Back then, I thought, It's all staying within the family. Whoever pays more doesn't matter. I never imagined that she would cheat on me.