When I first met Tom, he was kind and sweet, and I fell in love quickly. We got married after only three months, and at first, things seemed perfect. But after our daughter, Angelina, was born, life became much harder. Tom insisted I quit my job to stay home with her, claiming childcare would cost more than what I earned. I agreed, thinking things would get better once he got his promotion.However, despite his raise, money was still tight.

Tom became obsessed with saving and kept cutting back on everything — including the budget for groceries and clothes for Angelina. While we lived frugally, Tom spent lavishly on himself. He wore expensive clothes, had a pricey watch, and even bought a new top-of-the-line TV for thousands of dollars, while I struggled to make ends meet.When I tried to explain my frustrations, Tom would get defensive, saying it was his money, and he could spend it how he wanted.

I worked hard to make sure Angelina had what she needed, even picking up a part-time job at a restaurant. Yet, I still had to borrow a dress for a work function because Tom couldn’t spare a dime for a new outfit for me.One Christmas, after he bought the expensive TV, I snapped. I packed our bags and left. I filed for divorce, determined to build a better life for me and Angelina, Over time, I worked my way up at the restaurant and eventually became the director. Life got so much better. Angelina had what she needed, and I was finally free from Tom’s control.Years later, Tom showed up on my doorstep, asking for help after losing his job. I told him coldly, “It’s my money, and I’m not about to waste it on you.” I never saw him again, but I later heard that he was working as a cleaner at his old company.