I never thought I’d question my husband Tom’s motivations, but when he persistently pushed me to take on a second job, I began to wonder. As the primary breadwinner in our household, I was already shouldering a significant load.
Tom’s reasoning? “You don’t even leave the house to work, so you can’t possibly be as tired as I am.” But I knew better. As a mechanic with his own business, Tom had flexibility and autonomy.
The conversation seemed to come out of nowhere, and I brushed it off. But when my mother asked if we were struggling financially, I realized Tom’s persistence was more than just a passing suggestion.
“Is his business not doing well?” my mother asked.
I shook my head. “That’s not possible. He’s hiring new employees and has a steady stream of customers.”
My mother’s words stuck with me: “You have to tell him, darling. You have to make it known that you cannot take on an added responsibility that’s going to leave your cup empty.”
The final straw came when we decided to sell my car and get a new one. Tom’s response? “I told you, Lisa, you need to get that second job.”
I was taken aback. “Why me? My work is tough, and I already put in overtime.”
Tom’s reply? “You’re exaggerating. You work from home; it’s not like you have to go anywhere.”
That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I applied for a job at the local bowling alley, knowing Tom would hate it.
Little did I know, this new job would reveal a shocking truth about my husband.
On my first day, I wore the required uniform – a form-fitting, short dress. Tom had no idea what was coming.
As I worked the drink stand, I watched Tom arrive with his friends. The atmosphere quickly turned rowdy, and Tom’s eyes locked onto me.
“What the hell, Lisa?” he charged over. “What are you doing?”
“I’m working, Tom,” I smirked. “You wanted me to get a second job, remember?”
But Tom’s anger wasn’t just about the job. It was about being caught.
The manager, Ursula, approached me and whispered, “Is he bothering you too?”
I soon discovered the horrifying truth: Tom had a reputation at the bowling alley, and one of the waitresses had recently given birth to his child.
My world shattered. The reason Tom wanted me to work two jobs was to cover his child support payments.
I confronted Tom, my heart racing with anger and betrayal.
“You’re a disgusting human!” I shouted, slapping him across the face.
Tom’s face paled, and he stumbled over his words.
“I’d prefer not to hear it,” I spat. “Tonight, you’ll pack your bags and leave. I’m filing for divorce tomorrow.”
As I stormed out of the bowling alley, I wondered: who was the man I married?
