The freeloading ends today. My husband declared it right after his promotion, announcing that from now on, we’d have separate bank accounts. I agreed. And then, on Sunday — his sister came for dinner. She looked at the table, looked at me and said: “About time he stopped…”

“We will split the expenses fairly from now on,” he said as we pulled into our suburban neighborhood. “I will handle my personal affairs, and you will be responsible for yours without assuming my bonus is household money.”

My mouth felt incredibly dry as I listened to him dismantle the foundation of our partnership.

In the back seat, Chloe shifted slightly in her sleep and let out a soft sigh that made my heart ache with a protective fury.

She was completely unaware that her father had chosen the drive home from his big celebration to declare her mother a burden.

Garrett was clearly looking for a fight, and I could see the small, expectant smile on his face as he waited for me to burst into tears or plead with him.

He expected me to ask how we would possibly manage, which would give him the opportunity to be the rational leader who was simply setting necessary boundaries.

“Okay,” I said quietly, refusing to give him the dramatic reaction he so desperately wanted.

Garrett blinked in surprise and glanced at me with a look of confusion. “Okay? That is all you have to say?”