For four years, I worked overtime, picked up extra shifts, and put my own career goals on hold. I covered tuition, rent, groceries—everything. Because I believed in him. I believed in us.
“One day, we’ll look back on this and be proud,” I told him, handing him my credit card for yet another tuition payment.
“You’re amazing,” Jake said, kissing my forehead.
But as I gave him everything I had, I didn’t realize I was also giving up pieces of myself.
The Graduation Day Surprise
On Jake’s big day, I wanted everything to be perfect. Our apartment was decorated, dinner was ready, and a cake—after three attempts—was finally just right.
I smoothed down my dress and took a deep breath. “We made it.”
At the ceremony, I clutched a bouquet, scanning the sea of graduates for Jake.
“Jake,” the dean announced, and my heart swelled with pride. I stood, clapping for him.
Then, just a few rows ahead, a woman in a bright red dress jumped to her feet, cheering loudly. Jake turned to her, grinned, and blew her a kiss.
My breath caught.
“Who is that?” someone whispered nearby.
I wasn’t the only one wondering.
A Harsh Reality
After the ceremony, I found Jake with her. When I asked who she was, his answer was casual, almost dismissive.
“This is Sophie,” he said. “I was going to tell you after the ceremony, but now seems as good a time as any.”
My heart pounded. “Tell me what?”
He sighed. “We’re in different places now, Gabby. We’ve grown apart. I need someone who understands where I’m headed.”
I could hardly believe what I was hearing. “The life you’re headed for? The one I helped build?”
Jake shook his head. “You’ve always been practical, focused on work. But Sophie… she understands ambition. She comes from a different world.”
The realization hit hard—while I had been working tirelessly to support his dreams, he had already moved on.
A Lesson in Value
But Jake had overlooked something important.
I pulled up a file on my phone—one I had saved years ago. My father had insisted on a formal agreement, just in case.
“Remember this?” I asked, showing him the screen.
He squinted. “The repayment agreement? Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back over time.”
I smiled. “Oh, that’s not the part you forgot.”
I scrolled down to a specific clause, one that ensured fairness.
Jake’s face went pale. “Wait, that can’t be…”
“It is,” I said. “And you signed it.”
His confidence wavered. “Gabby, let’s talk about this.”
“Like you were going to talk to me after the ceremony?” I turned to Sophie. “By the way, did he mention he was still legally married?”
She frowned. “Jake, you said everything was settled!”
Jake exhaled sharply. “What do you want?”
I thought about the years of sacrifices, the dreams I had put on hold. Then, with a newfound sense of clarity, I answered.
“I want what’s mine.”
Moving Forward
Six months later, I sat in my new office, reviewing plans for the business I had always dreamed of starting.
“Your lawyer’s on line one,” my assistant said. “Something about the payment processing.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Lisa.”
I picked up the phone. “Hi, Dad.”
“It’s settled,” he said. “Right on time.”
“And Jake?” I asked.
“Last I heard, he’s still adjusting,” my father chuckled. “Things didn’t quite go as he planned.”
I traced the edge of a photo frame on my desk—our wedding picture, a reminder of a past life. Then, I placed it in a drawer and closed it.
Some might call it fate. Others might call it justice.
I call it the best investment I ever made—the one where I finally invested in myself.