For two years, I believed my husband Jeremy and I were partners, splitting bills and rent evenly. When he found us a cozy $2,000/month apartment and promised we’d each pay half, I happily agreed. Life seemed perfect — until a casual chat in the elevator shattered everything. Our neighbor, Taylor, mentioned, “You live in Lorrie and Jeremy’s apartment, right?” Lorrie was Jeremy’s mom. Suddenly, it hit me: they owned the apartment all along.

For two years, I had been handing Jeremy $1,000 every month — $24,000 total — thinking it was rent. But there was no landlord, no real lease, just a lie. Taylor even revealed that Jeremy’s ex had lived there too, which meant I wasn’t the first victim funding their mortgage. Furious, I confirmed it that night through public records: Jeremy and his mom co-owned the apartment. He had forged a fake lease and pocketed my money.

Instead of confronting him immediately, I planned. I played the perfect wife, baking pies and smiling at his mom, all while secretly preparing my move. On December 28, rent day, I emptied our joint account — where my paycheck went — and used Jeremy’s money to pay rent for my new apartment across town. I packed everything up, left their place empty, and taped a note to the window: “Dear Jeremy, Hope you enjoy YOUR apartment. Since you and your mother scammed me for two years, I figured it was time to return the favor. My new rent’s paid — by you. Don’t bother calling. I blocked you. Happy New Year, loser. —Nancy”

After that, I cut off all contact, blocked his calls, and ignored his mom’s guilt trips. When she begged to explain at the store, I told her unless they paid me back with interest, I’d file fraud charges. They paid up. Three months later, I raised a glass of champagne with divorce papers in hand and $24,000+ back in my account. Jeremy’s mom moved away, Jeremy was miserable — and me? Not one bit sorry. When someone lies and steals from you, make sure they never forget who they crossed.