Jake was shaken. For the first time, he broke down. But I didn’t let him off easy. I had the house deed put back in my grandparents’ name and told him he could only return to work if he started from the bottom — no favors, no shortcuts.We’re still married, but things have changed. Jake is learning gratitude,

starting over without ego. I moved into the house alone for a while, to tend the garden — and to heal. He visits now and helps, quietly mending what his pride once broke. We don’t know what’s next, but I’ve learned one thing for sure: pride is expensive — and humility is the true key to building a home.