
13/06/2025
I OVERHEARD MY HUSBAND TALKING TO MY MIL ABOUT $10,000 AND OUR 3-YEAR-OLD — THEN I HEARD HER SAY, "IF YOU DON'T HANDLE THIS, I WILL."
I never meant to eavesdrop.
I had just come home, carefully stepping into the hallway — Leo was asleep, and I didn't want to wake him. The house was unusually quiet. Too quiet.
Then I heard it — whispers from the kitchen. At first, I thought I was imagining things. But then I recognized the voices.
My husband.
And his mother.
They were speaking in hushed, urgent tones. I would have walked in, let them know I was home. But then I heard my name.
"She has no idea," my mother-in-law whispered. "And it's better that way."
My stomach dropped.
"We need to do this soon," my husband muttered. "Before she starts asking questions."
My heart pounded.
Before I start asking questions? About what?
"Leo will be fine," my mother-in-law said. "You know this is the best thing for him. And it's ten thousand dollars — for you. She doesn't even have to know."
A chill ran down my spine. Leo? Ten thousand dollars? What were they talking about?
My mother-in-law's voice turned sharp. "You don't have a choice. If you don't handle this, I will."
Silence.
Then my husband spoke again, softer this time. "I know, Mom. I just… I don't know how she'll react if she finds out."
"Find out what?" I asked, louder than I intended.