When Abby lost her job, she turned to her husband, Gregor, for support while she looked for another. But what she didn’t expect was how Gregor would reveal his true feelings during his birthday celebration, surrounded by their closest friends and family.

I’m not usually one to air my personal life online, but what recently happened to me is something I feel needs to be shared. Let me tell you about the time my husband tried to embarrass me in front of everyone we knew, and how I managed to flip the script on him in the best way possible.

I met Gregor when I was in my forties. By then, I wasn’t looking for anything serious—my dream of marriage had long since faded.

“Come on, Abby,” my mother would say, “It’s never too late to find someone. Don’t you want to settle down?”

I’d shake my head, though deep down, I did want that. After a toxic relationship in my thirties, I had given up on the idea of finding lasting love.

But then, I met Gregor, and everything changed. He was charming, thoughtful, and seemed genuinely invested in me.

“I’ve waited my whole life for you, Abby,” Gregor said when he proposed, surprising me with a bouquet of roses and a ring.

Our first year of marriage was like one long honeymoon. We traveled, laughed together constantly, and enjoyed each other’s company to the fullest.

Gregor was successful in his career, working as an executive at a well-known firm, while I thrived in my marketing job. Life was good, and I felt like I had finally found my happily ever after.

“I told you, Abby,” my mother would say whenever we talked. “You just had to be patient.”

But then, life threw a curveball. The company I worked for went bankrupt, and just like that, I was out of a job. It wasn’t just a financial blow—it hit my confidence hard. I had always been proud of my independence, and suddenly, I was relying on Gregor to keep us afloat.

When I broke the news to Gregor, he seemed supportive at first. But it didn’t take long for his true feelings to surface.

“So now I’m the only breadwinner?” he asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.

“It’s just temporary,” I assured him. “I’ll start job hunting right away, and we’ll get through this together.”

“Well, I guess I don’t have a choice, do I?” he replied, rolling his eyes.

His reaction caught me off guard, but I understood his concern. I threw myself into the job search, determined to find something quickly. In the meantime, I took a temporary job as a cleaner at a nearby restaurant. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work, and it helped us get by.

“At least your boss sends us home with food,” Gregor said one night as I unpacked some leftovers.

“Yes, they’d rather see it go to good use than be wasted,” I replied.

“It’s good food, but this job doesn’t suit you,” Gregor commented. “Our family and friends are used to seeing you dressed up, not in slacks and an apron.”

“It’s just until I find something else,” I said, trying to ignore his disapproval.

Fast forward a few months to Gregor’s 45th birthday. He decided to throw a lavish party at an upscale restaurant, inviting all his friends, family, and colleagues.

“So, he complains about supporting you but has no problem splurging on a party?” my mother remarked on the phone.

“I know, Mom, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s my first weekend off in a while, and I just want to have some fun.”

The night started off well, with good food, laughter, and plenty of drinks. As the evening went on, the toasts began. First up was Gregor’s sister, who praised me for being the best thing that ever happened to her brother. I was touched by her words.

But when it was Gregor’s turn to speak, he stood up with a glass of champagne in hand and started laughing.

“Oh, I know I’m lucky,” he said, “but let’s be real—Abby’s lucky too! She’s basically my dependent now. I’d have kicked her out a long time ago if she wasn’t so obedient. It’s just a pity I invested all that money in her.”

The table fell silent, and I felt my stomach drop. Gregor expected everyone to laugh along, but most people just looked around awkwardly.

As I sat there, something clicked. I wasn’t going to let him get away with this. I calmly stood up and took a deep breath.

“Well, Gregor,” I began, “it seems like you’re forgetting a few things. Let me remind you—and everyone else—about some investments I’ve made.”

Gregor’s smug smile faded as I continued.

“The money you used to fund this celebration didn’t come from your account,” I said, watching as gasps erupted around the table. “You took it from my savings fund. You don’t believe me? I can pull up the statement on my phone right now.”

Gregor mumbled a denial, but I wasn’t finished.

“I was willing to overlook this because we’re a team, but it seems that’s not the case. And I know you haven’t paid the full bill for tonight’s dinner yet, correct?”

Gregor nodded slowly.

“I have the money with me, right here in my purse. I wanted you to have a good birthday, and I didn’t want you to pay for your own party. But you know what? I think I’ll keep it—along with my dignity.”

With that, I calmly walked out of the restaurant. I don’t know how Gregor paid for the dinner, and frankly, I didn’t care. I went home, packed my things, and drove to my mother’s house. I wasn’t going to stay in a toxic relationship ever again.