I told her about the declined card and the allowance sheet.

Then I explained that I had kept my father’s trust quiet because I wanted my marriage to be based on love rather than money.

Lauren listened, but when I reached that part, she stopped me.

“Privacy about an inheritance is not a license for someone else to control your access to basic necessities,” she said.

“Nor does being wealthy mean you haven’t experienced financial coercion.”

We made three columns on a legal pad.