Her expression darkened upon hearing that. “What do you mean you’re going to work? How old is Sonny? He still can’t live without his mother. Do I not provide you with enough food or clothes? Why do you want to work?”
“I’m free to work if I choose, and my sister can help take care of Sonny. Yes, you don’t give me enough food and clothes. I’ve had enough of this, Hank! Do you really think I can’t earn enough money to support myself?”
“You and your family believe that all I can do is eat and that I can’t make money, right? Your mother and sister even scolded me, calling me useless despite all my education. They said I’m worthless unless I can earn money! If it weren’t for Sonny, do you think I’d let you all walk over me and oppress me?”
“I was really foolish, Hank. I was foolish to think you would support me. Look at my hair—it’s still dark and shiny. I don’t have a single gray hair. I’m still young. You haven’t supported me for life yet, but after just three years, you want to split everything equally.”
“You know very well that I used my savings to renovate this house. You know I’m raising the child at home with no income, yet you still want to go Dutch with me. Weren’t you just trying to push me into working? If that’s the case, I’ll fulfill your wish and start working!”
“I will never believe anything you say for the rest of my life!”
Hank’s expression darkened as he replied, “You were the one who forced my hand. You spend money without any restraint…”
“What are you talking about? What have I bought with your money? All my skincare products were gifts from Serenity, and all my jewelry and bags were purchased by me before I got married. When was the last time I bought new clothes since the wedding? I only bought new clothes for the three of us as a family to make a good impression on Zachary last time. I spent just over a thousand dollars, but your…”
My family continues to berate me about this issue even now. They claim I’m spending money carelessly and damaging our family.
“Since our marriage, all the money I’ve spent has gone toward this small home, you, and Sonny. I cut back on my own expenses but am generous when it comes to you and your son. Yet now you’re accusing me of spending without restraint and insisting we split costs to control my spending? Hank Brown, are you blind or is your heart devoid of compassion? Doesn’t it bother you to speak this way? Has your conscience been devoured by a dog?” Hank was left speechless by Liberty’s questions. After a lengthy pause, he replied, “Liberty, I’ll stop splitting expenses with you. You should focus on caring for Sonny instead of working. You can return to your job when he starts preschool.”
“I believe we should continue splitting costs. There’s no need to change anything. We can keep things as they are, and you don’t need to say anything further. Even if you were to give me ten thousand a month for living expenses, I would still choose to work.”
She wanted to secure a job to achieve financial independence for the sake of gaining custody of her son after the divorce.
She vowed never to listen to his nonsense again.