Emma had always been the frugal one, making sure that after her rent was taken care of, she still had enough money to make ends meet. But one day, when her husband is away for work, Emma takes care of the rent payment, only to discover that the rent she’s been paying is actually for her mother-in-law’s monthly allowances. Emma and Karma team up, ready to serve justice.
I had always been frugal, meticulously budgeting every penny of my salary. New clothes, makeup, and vacations were all luxuries that I saw my friends indulge in, but they were dreams I had to put on hold.
A woman counting money | Source: Pexels
“I just want to go on a vacation in a sunny place,” I told my best friend, Jessica. “To just lounge around on the beach and sip cocktails.”
“Soon,” Jessica would say. “I know that you’re close to sorting the house out and finally being free of rent and whatnot.”
People holding drinks at the beach | Source: Pexels
The house. That was where our problems had begun.
Every month, a significant portion of my paycheck went toward the rent of our little home. Paul, my husband, and I both contributed to the rent, but he always handled the payments to our elusive landlord.
I trusted him implicitly, and of course, I never questioned his actions.
A Surburban house | Source: Midjourney
“Don’t worry, darling,” Paul would say. “I’ll take the money from our joint account each month and do the rest.”
Years passed, and my sacrifices continued. Paul took care of the power and the water bills, and we both contributed to the groceries. As difficult as it sometimes was, we both knew that it was just something that needed to be done.
A couple standing outside a store | Source: Midjourney
One day, Paul had to leave early for a short business trip. It wasn’t anything new, and we had both gotten used to him going away on these trips.
“Do you want me to take care of rent?” I asked as I helped him pack his clothes away. “I know that you’re going to be traveling on the first of the month.”
“No, but thank you,” he said. “I’ll try and log on from my laptop and do it, or I’ll just handle it when I’m back.”
An open suitcase | Source: Pexels
“Honey, you’re already doing so much for us. Let me lighten the burden and help,” I said.
Paul sighed deeply and took two ties out of his closet.
“It’s fine, Emma,” he said curtly. “I’ve got it under control.”
A man holding ties | Source: Midjourney
My husband left early the next morning and that was it. He didn’t speak about the rent topic again.
As the days went by and the rent was due the following day, I left my office during lunch to go to the bank.
“Where are you headed off to?” Jessica asked me as I gathered my handbag and cellphone before leaving the office.
A woman in an office | Source: Pexels
“Just to the bank,” I replied. “I’ll be back soon and then we can get something for lunch.”
I walked into the bank ready to make a payment and lighten my husband’s load. But what I discovered was a different reality altogether.
I approached a teller and explained my situation, giving her all my relevant details.
A large building | Source: Unsplash
“I just need to transfer rent money to my landlord,” I said. “My husband usually does this stuff, but he’s away on business.”
The teller smiled at me and looked at my identity document before continuing.
“Certainly, ma’am,” the teller said, pulling up the account details. “Could you confirm the account number?”
A bank teller at her desk | Source: Midjourney
I read the number off the notepad I had taken from Paul’s desk that morning. He had a habit of writing all his important information on that one notepad.
“Thank you,” the teller said, typing the number in.
“A Mrs. Helen Parker?” she asked. “That’s your landlord’s account?”
A woman holding a notebook | Source: Midjourney
I blinked in confusion.
“Helen Parker? Are you sure that’s what it says?” I exclaimed, my hands feeling clammy.
The teller, sensing that something was amiss, double-checked the records, frowning slightly as she concentrated.
A woman using a laptop | Source: Pexels
“This is the account that has been receiving money from your account. It’s actually been receiving money for years.”
Paul’s mother. Helen Parker was Paul’s mother.
“There must be some mistake, surely,” I said.
A woman at her desk | Source: Midjourney
“I’m afraid not, ma’am,” she said. “This account has consistently received the monthly payments. Look, I can print it all out for you if you’d like to go through it yourself.”
I nodded, too numb with shock.
I left the bank and drove home in a daze, forgetting that I needed to get back to work entirely.
A woman driving | Source: Pexels
Once home, I went straight to Paul’s study and began rifling through his drawers. I needed answers.
“How on earth have I been paying for his mother’s lifestyle all these years?” I said aloud.
It didn’t take long to find everything I needed. There it was, the ownership document for our house, signed and dated years ago, with Paul listed as the sole owner.
Open desk drawers | Source: Midjourney
I didn’t know what to think, so I sat in silence for a few moments until my phone rang.
“Emma?” Jessica’s voice ran through the room. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you come back to the office?”
Quickly, I caught my best friend up on the drama.
A woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
“So, the rent that you’ve been paying is actually Helen’s allowance?” Jessica gasped. “That’s so ridiculous!”
“Yes,” I replied, holding my head in my hands. “I don’t know what to do. Paul is away for the next few days.”
“Did he take his laptop?” Jessica asked.
“No, actually, he didn’t,” I replied.
“Then go through it! Look for more information!”
A woman using a laptop | Source: Pexels
My hands trembling, I turned on his laptop and found a series of messages exchanged between Paul and Helen. The messages detailed their plan, discussing how they would keep me in the dark and ensure I continued to pay rent, funneling my money straight to her.
“What the heck?” I muttered under my breath.
A close-up of a shocked woman | Source: Midjourney
As the full weight of the betrayal settled on me, karma arrived with no delay. That evening, a violent storm swept through our town, leaving floods behind.
Of course, my house was one of them.
By the next morning, water started seeping through the ceiling, and within minutes, the whole house was flooded.
Water falling through a ceiling | Source: Midjourney
I took my belongings and went to a hotel. I wasn’t about to suffer through this alone.
“You can come to me,” Jessica said when I called to tell her that I was staying at a hotel.
“No,” I said. “I don’t plan on staying in the house long, so I’ll be here for a while. When Paul returns home, I’ll go to the house and get the last of my things.”
A hotel room | Source: Midjourney
On the day that Paul was scheduled to come home, I went over to the house and worked my way through the things that were not damaged by the flooding.
“Emma, are you okay?” he asked as he stepped into the house. “What happened here?”
I turned to him, my eyes cold.
An upset woman | Source: Midjourney
“I’m fine. But the house isn’t. The ceiling doesn’t look too good in some places. But it’s a good thing that’s not our house, right? The landlord’s insurance can cover it.”
To his credit, my husband isn’t stupid and he was able to pick up on my sarcasm easily.
Paul paled, realizing that he was trapped.
“Emma, I can explain,” he said.
“Don’t bother,” I interrupted. “I found the bank records, the ownership documents, and your messages to Helen. I know everything.”
A man looking down | Source: Midjourney
Paul’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
“How could you do that to me?” I asked quietly. “Especially after knowing that I wanted to do things for myself. I wanted us to go on trips together and make memories. But all this time, I was just using my hard-earned money to take care of your mother?”
“What do you want me to tell you? That she’s old and needs it?” Paul asked.
A smiling older woman | Source: Pexels
“We both know that’s not the case,” I retorted. “Your father left everything to her. She’s doing fine. And in any case, it’s not that I wouldn’t have wanted to help Helen if I knew. It’s the fact that you’ve been lying for years.”
“Just wait,” Paul said. “I’m sure that we can work through this.”
“No, we cannot,” I replied. “You’ve been using me for years and I’m finally done with all of this.”
A man looking at his phone | Source: Midjourney
I walked out of the house and went back to the hotel where Jessica promised to come over and spend the evening with me.
The next day, I consulted a lawyer and fought to reclaim the money that I had unknowingly handed over to Helen.
A lawyer sitting in his office | Source: Midjourney
In the end, justice prevailed and the court ruled in my favor, ordering Paul and his mother to repay every cent I had given them over the years.
With my newfound financial freedom, I got myself a little apartment, someplace that I could easily lock up and leave when it was time for a getaway.
And as for Paul? After the money was settled, I filed for a divorce, and left him in the past with his mother.
A living room in an apartment | Source: Midjourney
What would you have done?
If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you |
My Kids Listed My House on Airbnb While I Was in the Hospital — I Found a Way to Teach Them a Lesson
A phone opened to an Airbnb app | Source: Pexels
Mariah had been feeling less than healthy lately, causing her to admit herself to the hospital so that she could have a check-up. But in her absence, her children decided to rent out her house as an Airbnb, ready to pocket the money for themselves. When Mariah found out, she decided to teach her children a lesson.
If I was being honest, I didn’t know how I felt about my children’s betrayal. But it hurt me to imagine that while I had been away at the hospital, my children were perfectly fine with having strangers take over my home.
“What were they thinking?” I asked myself.
They hadn’t given a second thought to people using the mugs I had hand-painted, or people sitting in their father’s worn armchair. Paul has been deceased for a few years now, but it still felt like his chair.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
The first animal you see will reveal something about your personality.
Have you ever looked at an image filled with multiple creatures and immediately noticed one before the others? Believe it or not, the first animal you see can reveal deep insights about your personality. This psychological trick taps into your subconscious, reflecting traits that might surprise you. Ready to decode what your mind is telling you? Look at the image, trust your instincts, and read on to uncover what your chosen animal says about you!
The Pony: A Tireless Worker
If the pony was the first animal that caught your eye, you are a true symbol of perseverance and hard work. Ponies are known for their strength and endurance, capable of working tirelessly as long as they are treated with respect and care.
Your dedication to your goals is unmatched, and you expect the same level of commitment from those around you. However, your pursuit of excellence can sometimes lead you to neglect your own well-being. You push yourself hard and demand efficiency from others, making you a natural leader. Just remember—rest is just as important as progress.
The Bear: A Spirit Resistant to Change
If the bear was the first creature you spotted, you possess a strong and unwavering personality. Bears symbolize determination, self-sufficiency, and a deep-rooted connection to their instincts.
Video : The Animal You Spot First Says a Lot About Your Personality
You are someone who values tradition and prefers stability over unpredictability. While this makes you reliable and consistent, it can also make you resistant to change. Adapting to new situations may be challenging for you, but once you accept a new path, your resilience ensures you thrive in any circumstance.
The Giraffe: A Unique Vision
If you first saw the giraffe, you are someone who naturally sees life from a different perspective. Your mind operates on a higher level, always analyzing situations with depth and intelligence.
This ability gives you an edge, allowing you to foresee potential outcomes before others even realize what’s happening. However, this unique vision can sometimes make it difficult for you to relate to people who think differently. Learning to appreciate alternative viewpoints will help you build stronger, more balanced relationships.
The Camel: Loyal Yet Strong-Willed
Did the camel stand out to you? If so, you are someone who values loyalty, endurance, and fairness. Camels are known for their resilience, able to withstand harsh environments and carry heavy loads for long distances.
Like the camel, you are a devoted companion, always standing by those you care about. However, if someone takes advantage of your patience and kindness, you are not afraid to push back. Your independent nature ensures that you never let anyone walk over you.
The Lion: A Willful Force
If the mighty lion was your first pick, you are a natural-born leader with an unshakable sense of determination. The lion represents strength, confidence, and a relentless pursuit of success.
You don’t back down from challenges; instead, you embrace them as opportunities to prove your worth. Your protective nature makes you a strong defender of loved ones, and you are always ready to fight for what you believe in. Just be mindful—your dominant personality can sometimes come across as intimidating. Balancing your power with empathy will make you an even greater leader.
The Elephant: Versatile and Strong
If your eyes were drawn to the elephant, you possess an incredible balance of strength and adaptability. Elephants are among the most powerful yet gentle creatures, capable of overcoming massive obstacles while maintaining deep emotional intelligence.
You are someone who carries the weight of responsibility well, managing difficult situations with grace. Your wisdom and patience make you a pillar of support for those around you. However, don’t forget to take care of yourself too—sometimes, even the strongest need a break.
The Deer: A Free Spirit
If the deer was the first animal you noticed, you are someone who thrives on freedom and personal growth. Deer are agile and alert, always aware of their surroundings and ready to adapt when necessary.
Your thirst for self-improvement pushes you to keep striving for your dreams, no matter the obstacles. You have a natural ability to navigate challenges with grace and intelligence. However, your independent nature might make it hard for you to settle down. Learning to balance your need for freedom with meaningful connections will help you find true fulfillment.
The Ox: Confidence Incarnate
If the ox captured your attention first, you are a powerhouse of persistence and focus. The ox symbolizes strength, endurance, and a deep sense of determination.
Video : The Animal You Pick Will Reveal Your True Personality
You are not easily swayed by outside influences; you act only when you are fully convinced of your path. Once you commit to a goal, nothing can stand in your way. However, your steadfast nature might make you a little stubborn at times. Being open to new ideas can help you achieve even greater success.
What Does Your Choice Reveal About You?
The animal you saw first is a reflection of your deepest personality traits—some of which you may already know, while others might surprise you. Whether you are a tireless worker like the pony, a powerful leader like the lion, or a free spirit like the deer, your subconscious choice holds valuable insight into who you are.
So, which animal did you see first? The answer may reveal something fascinating about your strengths, challenges, and the way you navigate life. Embrace what makes you unique, and use this newfound awareness to become the best version of yourself.
Leave a Reply