ccI’ve spent years on maternity leave, taking care of our three kids back-to-back.

Though I love being a mom, I’ve been yearning to work again, in order to find myself outside of the chaos of diapers and school runs.

Between part-time jobs and tight budgeting, I’d saved enough to pursue my dream—

going back to school and switching careers. That money was not only savings; but it was my ticket to independence and a better future for our family.

“Man, your wife is so cool! Linda told me Emma’s going back to school. That’s amazing!”, Adam said to Jack.

Jack laughed, replying, “Oh, come on! Do you think I’d let her waste all that money on studying?

I already ordered a new TV and PlayStation with her fund. The stuff’s being delivered tomorrow.”

I froze. The money I’d saved by sacrificing my needs and wants —money I earned by working late

nights while juggling kids—was gone, squandered on Jack’s impulse purchases.

My chest burned with fury. How dare he take away my dream without even asking me?

That night, when I lay in bed beside him, I devised a plan. If Jack thought he could take me for

granted, he was about to learn just how mistaken he was.