I spent my life savings on the one thing I knew would make Sarah happiest — her childhood lake house. The place she always called home. What she never knew was that I bought it as a surprise wedding gift. She left me three weeks before the wedding.

We reconnected years after high school, when my dad was battling cancer. She was a nurse. Our connection grew quickly, and after Dad got better, I stayed in town for her. We dreamed together — kids, travel, a house on the lake.

So when her grandparents’ old home went up for sale, I jumped in. I drained my savings, fixed it up with Dad, and planned to give her the keys at our rehearsal dinner.

But she left. No warning. Just “I can’t do this.” Then she moved to Florida and married her ex-boyfriend six months later.

I couldn’t bear to sell the house. So I made it mine. Planted a garden. Found peace. Three years passed. I was happy again.

Until her mom and sister showed up on my doorstep asking to buy it — for Sarah. I said no. Later, Sarah texted me accusing me of revenge.

The truth is: I didn’t keep the house to hurt her. I kept it because it became my home — the one I built after she broke my heart.Would you have done the same?