5 days after the divorce, the mother-in-in-law asked: “Why are you still here?” I smiled calmly and and said, “Because this house was paid for with my money.” She went pale.

That was when Trevor sat on the edge of our bed one night and asked the question he had clearly rehearsed.

“What if we use some of your account?”

He wouldn’t say settlement. He wouldn’t say my father’s money. He said “your account” as if it were something harmless.

I stared at him for a long time before answering. “That money is separate.”
“I know,” he said quickly. “And I respect that. I’m not asking for ownership. I’m asking for help. We’re married. It’s still our life.”

I should have said no.