My husband owned the flat that I paid rent

When Jeremy and I married, we agreed to divide all expenditures evenly, including rent.  Jeremy took the initiative in finding our flat, informing me it would cost $2,000 a month.  I faithfully gave over my $1,000 portion every month, assuming that he would deliver it to the landlord as promised.

I worked two jobs to cover my responsibilities.  I worked in an office in the mornings and waited tables in the nights.  Sleep was a luxury I could seldom afford, but I thought it was all worthwhile.  I was saving money for a goal that Jeremy and I shared: to one day purchase our own home.  Every shift, including the arduous double shifts, was committed to our future.

For two long years, I imagined everything was going as normal.

This was until one fateful December evening, when everything changed.

While I was locked in a lift with one of our neighbours, we started a casual talk.  That’s when she said something that made my heart sink. 

“Oh, you live in Mrs Lorrie and Jeremy’s flat, correct?”

Mrs. Lorrie.  As with Jeremy’s mother.

Perplexed, I enquired about her remark.  Unbeknownst to her, the neighbour was delivering a big bombshell as she went on:

“Yes, Jeremy’s mother bought that flat years ago!  She rented it out till he moved in with his former partner.  Then you both settled in!”

Hearing this, my heart froze.  Throughout this time, I had not paid rent to a landlord.  I was immediately pouring money into Jeremy and his mother’s pocketbook.

For two years, I had unintentionally transferred $24,000 to their hands while denying myself of rest and pushed myself to exhaustion.

Once inside, I didn’t allow rage to take over.  Instead, I quietly phoned Jeremy.  “Hello, sweetheart,” I said, pretending tenderness.  “When is my rent due again?”

“December 28,” he said calmly.

Perfect.

For the following 2 weeks, I played along laughing at his jokes, cooking dinners, and keeping up appearances.  But, behind the scenes, I was preparing my escape.

On December 27, I packed my belongings, took out my funds, and fled.  I moved in with a good buddy as I planned my next move.  But, before I left, I confronted Jeremy.

That evening, I sat him down and said firmly, “Why didn’t you ever reveal that the flat was your mother’s?”

His face became ghastly pale.  “What do you mean?” he stuttered.

“I know everything.  You have been stealing my money and fooling me.  There was no ‘landlord’ because everything was flowing into your family’s pockets.  Do you realise how many midnight shifts I did to cover a fictitious rent?”

Jeremy spiraled—denials, excuses, and apologies.  None of his words could restore the damaged trust.

The next morning, I met with a lawyer and began divorce procedures.  While discussing my situation, the lawyer asked an important question: “Do you have a copy of your lease?”

I looked for it, confused yet fascinated.  What I discovered was shocking: the lease had never been valid. 

Jeremy had forged a rental agreement, claiming we were renters.  In actuality, the property was never formally rented out.  Legally, he deceived me into paying money on false pretences.

Armed with this information, my lawyer confirmed that we had a strong case for legal action.  As a result, I filed for divorce and charged Jeremy with fraud.  The court found in my favour, ordering Jeremy and his mother to refund the whole $24,000 I had spent.

As I stepped out of the courtroom, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.  Despite being exploited and tricked, I was able to restore my dignity, assets, and future.

This event taught me a vital lesson: always double-check financial agreements, especially in marriage.  Transparency and honesty are crucial.  Most importantly, if something feels awry, trust your instincts and do a thorough investigation.

Have you ever discovered a financial secret while in a relationship?  Feel free to share your experiences and ideas!