I thought I had found love again with Gabriela after the death of my beloved wife Edith from cancer. But things changed a lot in our marriage when she told me to use Edith’s trust fund for her own girls.
“What about my girls?” Gabriela asked in a deep voice. Don’t they deserve the same chances?” But I knew Edith’s influence would never be broken.
Our argument got worse, which showed what kind of person Gabriela really is. I knew I had to teach her a hard lesson about courtesy and not taking things for granted.
The next morning, I told Gabriela I was calling my financial advisor while acting like I wasn’t. “I’m setting up a new account for my stepdaughters,” I stated, “funded by our combined income.”
Gabriela’s face turned angry. “You’re siding with your daughters, not us!” But I didn’t give up.
“I’m following Edith’s instructions,” I said. “We build our family’s future together, not by stealing what isn’t ours.”
Gabriela tried to make me feel guilty for weeks after that, which were stressful. But I stayed determined.
My daughter asked me if things were okay with Gabriela and me. She felt better when I told her, “We’re working through grown-up issues.”
Gabriela didn’t give up, but I stood my ground. “We’ve also set up a fund for your daughters.” We’re putting it together.”
Even after months had passed, the anger stayed. Gabriela came up to me one night and said, “The girls look happy.”
I said yes. “They are.”
“But it would have been better if you had listened to me,” she said with a sad face.
I looked at her straight on. “No, Gabriela. It would not have been fair or polite.”
It was over with our talk. I knew I was making the right choice, even though it hurt to see our marriage fall apart.
Gabriela had learned something important: I wouldn’t give in or be scared. Edith’s impact could not be changed.
It made my heart strong to see my girls laugh and play. I would protect their future and the memories of their mother, even if Gabriela caused problems.
