My mother-in-law brought thirty people to her birthday dinner and announced in front of everyone, “My daughter-in-law is paying, so order whatever you want.” When I saw the bill approaching $5,000, I pretended I was going to the restroom and quietly walked out. Two hours later, I had fifty missed calls from my husband, but he still had no idea what documents I had just taken with me.

PART 4

I worked as a marketing manager for a national food company.

I earned more than Benedict.

Considerably more.

But that did not mean I had endless money.

Every dollar had a purpose.

PART 5

Benedict’s salary had a purpose too.

Apparently, that purpose was Benedict.

Video games.

Motorcycle parts.

Beer with friends.

Concert tickets.

Sneakers.

Weekend trips.

PART 6

Whenever I complained, he gave me the same speech.

“That’s what marriage is for.”

“Whoever can contribute more should contribute more.”

It sounded almost fair.

Until I realized “contribute more” meant I contributed almost everything.