When I lost my job, I thought my husband Gregor would be the one to hold me up, to comfort me, and to keep us steady until I found something else. But I learned the hard way how he really felt—on his birthday, in front of everyone we knew. And trust me, the way I turned the tables on him that night is something I’ll never forget.
I don’t usually share my life online, but after what happened, I felt like my story needed to be told.
How It All Began
I wasn’t looking for love when Gregor came into my life. By the time I met him, I was already in my forties. The dream of getting married had faded years ago.
“Come on, Abby,” my mom would tell me. “It’s never too late to find someone. Don’t you want to be married and settle down?”
I’d just shake my head. Out loud, I’d say no. But deep down, I did want it. I just didn’t believe it could happen anymore—not after the toxic relationship I had in my thirties that left me drained and broken.
Then Gregor appeared, and everything changed. He was charming, attentive, thoughtful, and made me feel like I was finally seen.
One evening, he showed up at my door with a bouquet of roses in one hand. In the other, hidden in his palm, was a ring.
“I’ve waited my entire life for you, Abby,” he whispered, eyes full of sincerity.
And that was it. He swept me off my feet.
Our first year of marriage was bliss. It felt like one long honeymoon—traveling together, laughing until our sides hurt, making memories that felt like they’d last forever. We were a team, and I truly believed I’d finally found the one.
Gregor was thriving in his career as an executive at a well-known firm. I had a great job too, working for a marketing company I loved. For the first time, life felt complete.
“I told you, Abby,” my mom teased once when I brought over ingredients to make dumplings with her.
“I know,” I laughed. “I should have listened to you. But I’m happy now. I think I finally got it right.”
“As long as you’re happy, everything else will be fine,” she said warmly.
I believed her.
Losing Everything
But then, life turned upside down.
The company I worked for went bankrupt overnight. Just like that, I was unemployed.
It wasn’t just about money—it was about pride. I was good at my job, but suddenly I had nothing. Packing up my desk, saying goodbye to colleagues—it felt like a punch to the gut.
“It’s going to be okay,” I whispered to myself, holding back tears. “You’ll bounce back.”
At least I had Gregor, I thought.
When I told him, he seemed supportive at first. But then his true feelings came out.
“What? Now I’m the only breadwinner? The only one paying the bills?” he snapped, irritation dripping from his voice.
“It’s just for now,” I said quickly. “I’ll start job hunting right away. But until then, yes, it’s on you.”
“Well, it’s not like I have a choice, right?” he muttered, rolling his eyes.
“It won’t be for long,” I promised. “Just a few weeks.”
But the way he said it—like I was a burden—stung.
I threw myself into job hunting, staring at my laptop until the words blurred.
“Come on, Abby,” I scolded myself. “Just one break. That’s all you need.”
But breaks don’t come easy. In the meantime, I took a temporary job as a cleaner at a local restaurant. It wasn’t glamorous, but it paid something, and it put food on the table.
That night, I came home with leftovers the manager had given me.
“At least your boss is kind enough to give us food,” Gregor said as I unwrapped steak and veggies.
“Yes,” I said. “He’d rather we take it home than throw it out.”
“It’s good food,” Gregor admitted, chewing. Then he added, “But this job—it doesn’t suit you. Our family and friends know you as polished and stylish. High heels, dresses, not black pants and an apron.”
“I know that,” I sighed. “But it’s temporary. I’m still applying for jobs every day.”
He just grunted and went back to eating.
For the first time, I felt like I didn’t recognize my husband.
The Birthday Party
Months passed. Then came Gregor’s 45th birthday.
He decided to throw himself a huge bash at an expensive restaurant. Friends, family, coworkers—everyone was invited.
When I told my mom about it, she was furious.
“So, he complains about being the only breadwinner, but he can splurge on this?” she scolded.
“I don’t know what to say, Mom,” I admitted. “But I’m looking forward to it. It’s my first weekend off in ages. I just want to relax.”
“Alright, darling,” she said gently. “Just be careful.”
At the restaurant, I greeted Gregor with a smile.
“Happy birthday, my love,” I said. I’d even called ahead and arranged black-and-silver balloons around his table.
The night started wonderfully—food, drinks, laughter. His sister Natalia raised her glass.
“You’re lucky to have Abby in your life, brother,” she said sweetly. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to you.”
Her words touched me. I smiled, finally feeling noticed.
Gregor’s friend Tim followed with a lighthearted office story.
Then, Gregor stood up. He had champagne in his hand and a smirk on his face.
“Oh, I know I’m lucky, Nat,” he said, grinning. “But let’s be real—Abby is lucky too! She’s basically my dependent now. Honestly, I’d have kicked her out already if she wasn’t so obedient. It’s a pity I’ve invested so much money into her.”
He burst into laughter, shoving shrimp into his mouth, expecting everyone else to laugh along.
The table went silent. Some people gave awkward chuckles. Most just looked away.
I sat frozen, my face burning. My husband had just humiliated me in front of everyone.
But then something inside me snapped. I wasn’t going to sit there and take it.
My Turn
I stood up slowly, my heart racing but my voice steady.
“Well, Gregor,” I said calmly. “It seems you’ve forgotten a few details. Maybe I should remind you.”
The entire room turned to me. Gregor’s grin faltered.
“You see,” I continued, “this party you’re so proud of—this celebration didn’t come from your money. It came from mine.”
Gasps echoed through the room.
“I saw the notification,” I explained. “You withdrew from my savings fund to pay for tonight. Should I show everyone the bank statement?”
“No…” Gregor muttered, his face pale.
“And we all know the final bill isn’t even paid yet, right? You planned to cover it when we leave.”
Gregor shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact.
I held up my purse. “I brought the money to pay it—because I wanted you to have a good birthday. But after your little joke? I think I’ll keep it. Along with my dignity.”
The room erupted with whispers.
Gregor sat there stunned, his face red, his friends staring at him in disbelief.
Without another word, I walked out.
The End of Us
I don’t know how he covered the bill, and I didn’t care. That night, I drove home, packed my clothes into the car, and went straight to my mother’s house.
I had promised myself years ago that I would never let myself get trapped in another toxic relationship. And I wasn’t about to break that promise.
Gregor showed me who he really was that night—and I showed him I wasn’t going to tolerate it.