My Hubby Spent $720,000 Of My Money On A House For His Parents, He Said: Don’t Like It Then Get Out!
A Burden, Not a Boon
Luckily it was a slow season for moves, allowing for a quick relocation. As I packed, I heard Benjamin arrive at the door.
I had the chain lock on and called out. “Sorry I had the chain on, I’m not sure what you might do in your current state of anger.” “Besides I need to finish packing, could you stay at your parents’ house for a few days?” I called out.
Defiantly, Benjamin said. “I won’t accept a divorce!” His statement surprised me.
I reminded him. “But you handed me the divorce form didn’t you? If you sign the divorce papers that means you agree to the divorce you know.” I reminded him.
Benjamin looked puzzled and frustrated, quickly changing the subject. “Why would you give up on a $720,000 inheritance? Normally you’d inherit it!” He questioned.
It seemed he had overheard some details about the $720,000 inheritance and in a rush had gone to my in-laws. They in turn impulsively bought the two-family house without considering the full implications.
I clarified the inheritance discussion was mine to handle and renouncing it was my decision made to avoid exactly these kinds of entanglements and presumptions. Given the complexity of my uncle’s estate, renouncing the inheritance seemed the wisest choice.
Though he had $720,000, the costs associated with his assets were enormous. His mansion required demolition, the land demanded significant upkeep, and he had accrued substantial debts.
Despite having two sons, two daughters, a wife and grandchildren, all had chosen to renounce their claims, leaving the inheritance to me. When I explained this to Benjamin he was incredulous.
“No way, so you’re saying that even with $720,000 there wouldn’t have been much left? That sounds like fraud!” He exclaimed.
It Is Too Late
I clarified that after a thorough discussion with the lawyer, it became clear that the inheritance was more of a burden than a boon. Unfortunately, someone had eavesdropped on part of this conversation and misunderstood the full context.
My explanation left Benjamin speechless and it seemed he finally realized his mistake. However, I firmly told him.
“It’s too late now, you betrayed my trust.” “We’ve already filed for divorce and you and I are no longer a couple.” I firmly told him.
“Why are you now hinting that you don’t want the divorce?” “If you truly didn’t want to separate, you should have followed me immediately when I returned.” I added.
I reminded him of the consequences of his and his father’s decisions, particularly their investment in the two-family house without considering all the facts. I pointed out that his mother’s opinion on the divorce didn’t alter the reality of our situation.
Her lack of experience with financial matters might have prevented her from understanding the true value of money. With a heavy sigh, I realized that entertaining complaints about his parents was no longer my concern.
If we were still married perhaps I might have listened and discussed these issues, but under the current circumstances it was no longer appropriate for me to engage in such conversations. However, he reminded me.
“You haven’t submitted the divorce papers yet have you?” He pleaded desperately.
“If you do it now we can still be a couple, please let’s live together in that two-family house!” He pleaded.
But I had already submitted the divorce papers so there was no turning back. “It’s pointless now.” I replied firmly.
Facing the Consequences
His face fell, a picture of bewilderment and loss as he stood at the apartment door. While I believed he had brought this situation upon himself, I couldn’t let him linger outside indefinitely.
After briefly considering sending him away, I realized I had no time to waste and continued my preparations for moving. Eventually he left and I proceeded with my plans, notifying my workplace about the divorce given that my boss had acted as our mediator.
Feeling a need to explain the situation, I also shared the news with my co-workers during lunch break. These were the same people who had celebrated with us at our wedding.
Unexpectedly, Benjamin burst into my department while I was discussing this with my colleagues. “It’s absurd that you’re talking about the divorce, I wish you hadn’t mentioned it!” He exclaimed.
He then proceeded to explain to everyone that he had assumed I had inherited a significant estate, which led to his impulsive suggestion of buying the two-family house. Faced with the choice between divorce and living together, I chose divorce.
As a result, Benjamin found himself increasingly ostracized at work, even as my colleagues extended their sympathy towards me. The situation at his job grew so uncomfortable that he eventually resigned.
During this turbulent time, a male colleague approached me and confessed. “I’ve actually liked you for a long time.” “I hope to build a home where we can communicate as a couple and work things out together.” He confessed.
This unexpected confession offered a glimpse of a potentially different and more understanding partnership in the future.
