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We were college sweethearts,an campus-to-altar romance,envied by many.
James was smart and handsome.
When he suggested splitting expenses during dating,I agreed without hesitation.
He said,"Honey,abroad,many couples split costs for the spirit ofequality.We should embrace that too."
Blinded by love,I didn't question it.
Despite my parents and friends'disapproval,I chose him without hesitation.
We went to the same collage, and my skills were no worse than his.
My salary was even slightly higher than his.
So when he offered a wedding without dowry on his side,I let it slide.
After marriage, at first,everything was sweet.
We shared chores,neither overburdened.
But while I lived casually and followed my heart,James tracked every penny.
He even asked me for the few cents from split utility bills.
I once protested,"Is this necessary?It's just a few cents.I didn't ask you to cover extra groceries."
He retorted,"You ate those groceries too.Why should I pay?We agreed to split everything.Only marriages with a clear ledger lasts long."
I frowned."But doesn't this make our marriage feel like a business deal?"
He shrugged."Marriage is just two compatible people partnering up."
Speechless,unwilling to fight over trifles,I yielded repeatedly.
I knew he was strict about splitting costs,but I didn’t know that it extended to my pregnancy.
Looking at him on the couch,I suppressed my anger."I had a checkup today.The doctor says that now I’m months into pregnancy, I need rest."
James's eyes widened,incredulous."No way!We agreed to split everyday chores.It's your turn!"
Feeling the growing aches around my ankles due to pregnancy,I snapped,"You’re too obsessed over splitting costs!Why not split pregnancy—five months each?"
He gaped,as if I'd said something absurd."I can't do that.Pregnancy's a woman's job,isn't it?"
I sneered,"Fine.I handle pregnancy,you handle the money.Fair?"
He scowled,as if I were being unreasonable."No.We agreed to split all expenses.I don't have the money."
I stormed into the bedroom,slamming the door behind be.
I wasn't cooking tonight.
If he wanted to split everything,we'd fend for ourselves from now on!
I shouted,"From now on,we each cover our own expenses.Nothing else!"
"Don’t have the money"?How dare he?
In years of marriage,he never spent an extra dime.I'd been quietly subsidizing us.
He had a pretty good salary.Where did all his money go?
