When I told my boss I was pregnant, he smiled warmly and immediately approved my 12-week paid maternity leave. I felt supported and relieved—until my next payslip showed zero dollars. Confused, I called him. That’s when he casually said, “Oh, I told HR you chose unpaid leave—to help with our budget goals.” I was stunned. I had never agreed to that.

He’d gone behind my back and even divided my salary among coworkers as “morale-boosting” bonuses while I was out. I spent my leave not only caring for a newborn but also battling HR, draining my savings to survive. Every email and call felt like shouting into a void.

When I finally returned to work, he acted like nothing had happened—smiling and saying, “Welcome back to the family.” But I didn’t feel like family. I felt betrayed and disrespected. Paid leave wasn’t a favor—it was a right he had quietly taken from me.

Now, I’m gathering documentation, considering legal options, and trying to decide what’s next. Speaking up feels scary—but staying silent feels worse. If nothing else, I’ve learned that sometimes the biggest fight for dignity starts after the congratulations fade.