Becoming Rich By Getting Married

"Iris! Hurry up, get ready! We're going to be late," shouted my husband, who was already waiting on the porch while I was busy turning off all the lights and electronic devices that were still on.

Our tight finances and the tendency to struggle made it impossible for me to maintain the lifestyle we had before, back when my husband was still part of a wealthy family. The electricity bills skyrocketed if I didn't make an effort to save.

"I've turned everything off. Let's go!" I said.

"Oh, come on, why bother turning off the electricity? We're not even going to be home all day," remarked Jeremy casually.

I sighed in exhaustion. Jeremy was still accustomed to his glamorous lifestyle. Our financial struggles didn't seem to register with him, and the wheels were now turning the other way.

"We need to be thrifty, dear! You have no idea how much I spend on household bills. Please, help by not squandering money and being mindful of electricity usage. At least until you find a job, please help by cutting expenses," I expressed my frustrations.

Jeremy's face hardened upon hearing this. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at me disdainfully. I knew that discussing financial matters with my husband often ignited his temper. Despite my good intentions for the well-being of our household, I faced his wrath.

"Iris! How dare you talk like that now? Whose money do you think you're using to pay for our bills and daily expenses? Besides, since we got married, you've been the one spending all my wealth. Now, when my family is bankrupt, you suddenly want to be responsible for our household? You really have no shame," Jeremy scolded.

I fell silent, unable to counter what my husband said. Indeed, I was the one responsible. All the items I bought during the glory days of the Lionel family were neatly stored in my collection room. I hesitated to sell them. What would my friends say if I sold the once-prized possessions?

"My heart aches hearing insults from my own husband. Where is the caring Jeremy I met before?" I whispered to myself.

Seeing me silent, Jeremy quickly walked towards the car. I followed, feeling a mix of emotions. We remained silent until we arrived at the Lionel family home, which was no longer as grand as it used to be. The house was still spacious but now had a more modest design, unlike the classic mansion I used to admire.

We got out of the car, and Jeremy headed inside with still simmering emotions. Jeremy had a temperamental personality, especially when his desires were challenged or unmet. Honestly, I only realized Jeremy's childish nature after we got married and faced financial hardship.

"Hey, it's been a while! How are you doing now?" Angel, Jeremy's brother's wife, asked.

Angel was the only in-law who seemed cheerful and kind to me. She never mocked me like the rest of the Lionel family and always engaged in friendly conversations.

"Oh, I'm fine, Angel! How about you?" I asked, addressing Angel with respect as she was my senior back in college.

"Well, I'm doing we-"

"Angel! Come here for a moment, dear!" Jessica, Jeremy's mother, interrupted Angel. Angel excused herself, leaving me alone.

Angel walked towards Jessica, who stared at me with a disgusted expression. Jeremy and the other men were engaged in conversation while the women gathered around Jessica, the hostess.

Here I stood, feeling isolated.

I wanted to cry and run home, experiencing this intentional exclusion. Was it really my fault for daring to enter the elite family circle with my background of poverty?

"Angel! How many times have I told you not to socialize with that poor person! Since Jeremy married her, our family has gone bankrupt! Mom doesn't want your good life contaminated by her!" Jessica uttered with a sharp tone, directed at Angel.

I could hear every word, standing not far from them. My wounded heart cringed, defenseless against Jessica's loud and harsh words. I knew Jeremy heard it too, but he seemed indifferent, busy with his siblings.

The admired husband I trusted to be my shield had become a bullet aimed at me. What should I do now? Accept this humiliation with dignity? God, before, I remained silent because they fulfilled my needs. But now, I had to toil to meet our needs. Was it right for me to be treated like this?

"Jer, let's go home, okay? I'm not feeling well," I said after approaching Jeremy.

I chose to leave because I had no role in this event. Even though it was just a routine family gathering, it drained my energy.

"What? Are you crazy? We just got here. You can endure it until the event is over if you're not feeling well," Jeremy refused my request bluntly.

I couldn't say anything more. We only had one car, and I had to go home with Jeremy. Didn't he feel any pity for me? Were his ears so thick that he couldn't hear the insults his family hurled at me?

"Why are you like this? Don't you like attending these family events? Stupid poor people don't know their place. Back when our family was still rich, you used to come home last, waiting for Mom-in-law's handouts!" Jeremy's sister-in-law exclaimed, her words filled with disdain in the middle of the gathering where everyone could hear.

Her mouth spoke loudly, uttering inappropriate things for everyone to hear. I stood there in silence, my heart stabbed repeatedly by hot thorns.

The eyes of the Lionel family radiated disdain. I was cornered, and no one intended to help me. Not even my husband. What kind of life was I living?

"Sorry, what does she mean? I don't feel well; it's not that I dislike being here," I dared to voice my opinion, although, in reality, I didn't enjoy being here. It was enough for me to be humiliated!

"Oh, come on, just admit it. Besides, Jeremy is really unlucky, getting a wife who can't do anything. Just a teacher with a small salary, always clinging to the family wealth. Isn't it nice to be you?" she continued.

The debate heated up, and I, knowing I had lost from the beginning, chose to stay silent, letting my dignity be trampled upon. I decided to leave the room; better to walk home than endure this deliberate alienation. I looked at Jeremy with disappointment before completely disappearing from their view.

"Jer, aren't you going after her?" Jeremy's brother asked.

"Let her be; I'm tired of her," Jeremy replied.

At least, that was the last conversation I heard from my husband himself. I laughed bitterly at my unfortunate fate.

CRASH!

I collided with someone's strong shoulder as I ran, wiping away tears. What other trials awaited me, dear God? I braced myself for more insults, but...

"Oh? Iris, right? Jeremy's wife?" a deep male voice asked with a masculine smile. I was genuinely astonished by the first sight.