He Chose Them, Not Us

When I went to buy a new house, all I found was crumpled newspaper where my savings should've been.

I almost called the cops—until I found out Tony Jarrett, my own husband, had blown seven years of my hard-earned cash on a shiny new motorcycle.

For Pauline Schmidt.

His ex.

I asked why. He just shrugged. "She's a single mom. Life's tough. This way, she won't have to walk so much."

I wanted to scream, but I swallowed it down. Made him at least get an IOU from her.

While I was busy sourcing stuff for the factory, a flood warning hit our town.

And Tony? Out buying toy cars with Pauline and her kid. Our son was home alone, trying to stay above water.

I was back. Like life hit rewind and dropped me into that exact day. The day he gave her the motorcycle.

I saw them—laughing, tight, like their own little picture-perfect family. But I didn't cry this time. Didn't beg. Just turned and walked off.

Back in Greydale, I returned to our beat-up house with Luca—my little boy. Tony Jarrett wasn't home yet. The front door groaned like it hated being touched.

Out on the line, a floral dress and some flashy kids' clothes fluttered—freshly washed and definitely new.

The stuff I'd washed yesterday? Dumped on the ground, stomped over and caked in dust.

Ryan, Pauline Schmidt's kid, was posted up on that new motorcycle, playing like he owned the world.

Luca dropped my hand and ran toward it. Right as he reached out, Ryan shoved him hard—sent him straight to the dirt.

I rushed over and scooped Luca up.

Pauline strolled out, all casual, stopping by the motorcycle with this smug little smile. "Sorry, Zoe. Ryan's just a kid—he didn't mean it. Tony told him to guard the motorcycle before he left, so he panicked.

"My bad too, I was busy with laundry. Tony said new clothes need washing before wearing.

"He probably got some for you and Luca too, right? Want me to wash 'em for you?"

She sounded sweet, but her eyes sparkled like she'd just won.

Classic. Every time Tony got paid, he'd splurge on her and Ryan first. Me and Luca? Same old hand-me-downs for years.

When school started, I asked Tony to get Luca a couple fresh outfits. He called me vain, said I'd spoiled him.

Told me we needed to save for a house. But most of his paycheck? Straight to buying trendy clothes—for them.

I spent seven years stacking up savings to buy us a new place—he blew it all on a motorcycle to chauffeur them around.

He always said Pauline lost her husband young and was our neighbor, so we had to help her.

That "help" turned into a lifelong charity project.

Thinking about it made my chest tighten. I picked Luca up and headed inside to make dinner.

It was ready by the time Tony strolled in, holding a piece of premium steak.

Luca lit up and reached for it. Tony yanked it back like it was gold.

Our eyes locked. Guilt flashed across his face.

"Luca, be good. I'll get you a steak next month, okay? This one's for Pauline. She asked me to bring it."

Luca's smile faded. He dropped his gaze and shuffled back to my side.

Tony paused, bit his lip, then grabbed a knife and sliced the steak in two.

"Zoe, give this half to Luca. I'll take the rest to Pauline."