When I agreed to spend $25,000 renovating the house my husband Theo inherited, I never imagined he’d betray me by refusing to pay me back. But that betrayal was nothing compared to what I uncovered next.
Theo and I married two years ago after meeting on a dating app. Our relationship thrived despite his frequent long-haul truck trips. However, things unraveled three months ago when he called from the road, asking me to handle renovations on his inherited house.
“Use your money for now, and I’ll pay you back when I return. Promise,” he said. Excited, I dove into the project, transforming the house with my savings and care.
Three months later, Theo returned and coldly announced, “I want a divorce.” My heart sank. “What? Why?” I stammered, struggling to comprehend.
A house renovation | Source: Pexels
“It’s just not working out. We’ve changed,” he shrugged. When I reminded him of his promise to repay me for the renovations, he laughed cruelly. “That house? Why would I pay you for fixing up something that’s mine?”
Devastated, I packed my things and moved in with my parents, feeling blindsided. Days passed, and suspicion grew. Why had he suddenly asked for a divorce? I decided to drive by the house, hoping to understand.
What I saw shattered me. A tall woman stood in the yard, watering the flower beds I had planted. I approached her, and she introduced herself as Lexi, Theo’s girlfriend of six months. I realized I had been used—financing their new life together.
Weeks later, while trying to move on, my dad called with surprising news. “You own the house you renovated. It’s yours.”
Stunned, I drove over to learn that Theo had neglected mortgage payments, leading to foreclosure. My dad had purchased the house at auction to protect my investment.
When I arrived, Theo and Lexi stumbled out, suitcases in hand. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“Oh, didn’t you hear?” I said, holding up the keys. “This house is mine now. You’re trespassing.”
His face went pale as my dad explained the situation. Defeated, Theo and Lexi dragged their suitcases down the driveway.
I turned to my dad, a grin spreading across my face. “This house could use a few more renovations. Let’s start by changing the locks.”
As we entered my new home, I marveled at life’s unexpected twists. Theo had wanted a renovation, and he got one—just not the kind he expected. I was ready for a fresh start, knowing that karma had done its job.
