Lied about paying rent for years – I slipped that I financed my mother’s bank account but karma hit hard back
I have always been cautious with money – by lowering the last penny, skipping luxury and all my energy to make sure we can afford rent on our cozy little home. Paul and I contributed, but it has always been the one who actually transferred the rent to our expected landlord. I’ve never doubted it. We’ve been together for years. I believed him with everything.
Then one month, when Paul was away on a short business trip, I decided to do something nice – to surprise him a little for him. I went to the bank, gave them an account number that Pavel wrote in my notebook, and asked to make a payment.
Teller pulled out the account and carelessly said, “Yes, this is an account that received rent payments.”
Then came the blow to the intestine.
She added, “Mrs. Helen Parker.”
I stiffened. “Helen Parker? Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. This account has been receiving your payments for some time. I can print records if you want.”
I nodded quietly and my heart pounded in my chest. Helen Parker is Paul’s mother.
I am still trying to wrap my head around her, I went home in dazing. As soon as I was inside, I headed directly to Paul’s study. I needed answers. Quick.
It wasn’t long before he found them.
In his drawer he was tucked by the property of the house – with Paul, the only owner. Was signed years ago.
Before I could process what I held, my best friend Jessica called. “Hey are you okay? Why didn’t you return to the office?”
I gave her a bevel.
“Wait – did you take a laptop?” She asked.
“Actually. No.”
“Then go through it. See what else is hiding.”
I opened it and quickly found a number of news between Paul and his mother. They discussed their plan to keep me in the dark while I unconsciously overwhelmed the money directly to her account. My hard earned savings-gone. All this.
Just as I was crushed with a full weight of betrayal, Karma entered.
That night our city hit a massive storm. The next morning the water from the ceiling began to escape and within minutes the whole house was flooded.
I grabbed my essentials and checked myself at the hotel. Jessica offered her place, but I refused. I told her, “I’ll be there just a moment longer. I’ll get the rest of my things as soon as Paul returns.”
When he finally came back, I was already in the house and sorted what was not destroyed by water damage.
Entered, stunned. “Emmo, are you okay? What happened here?”
I turned to him, cold. “I’m fine. House? Not so much. But then again, it’s not really our house, is it? Insurance of your landlord can do it.”
He immediately caught the sarcasm. His face paled.
“I can explain it,” he stamped.
“Don’t bother,” I said straight. “I found bank records, ownership, lyrics. I know everything.”
He was in the defeat.
“How could you do this to me?” I asked barely over the whisper. “You knew I wanted us to build the future together. Trips, memories … Life. And instead I’m just a bankrolling of your mom?”
“She needed it -“
“No, no,” I chuckled. “Your dad has left her a lot. And even if she did, you should tell me. I would help if I knew it. But instead you lied. For years.”
He tried again. “We can fix it. Just give me a chance.”
“No, Paul.
I went back to the hotel. Jessica came that night with refreshments and support, and I decided to take control of my life again.
The following morning I saw a lawyer. We built a solid case. Finally, the court adjacent to me. Paul and his mother were ordered to pay every penny that I unknowingly gave them.
With this money, I found out that I was a small, peaceful apartment – I could lock on it and leave whenever I wanted a spontaneous escape.
Once the settlement has been completed, I asked for a divorce.
I left Paul and his lies behind – for good.
In the end, the truth broke the illusion of life I thought I had – but it also liberated me. Paul’s betrayal was a painful awakening, but that led me to discover my own strength and my own value. I have no longer been tied up by lies or handling, I have built a new life according to my own conditions – one full level, independence and promise of new beginnings.
Although I cannot return the years or confidence that was broken, I gained my dignity, freedom and every penny that stole from me. And that is justice for me.