The Trap: Testing His Truth

I pressed my lips together, embarrassed. I didn’t like talking about money, so we’d only discussed finances on our first date and never brought it up again. Maybe that was a mistake.

Seeing I couldn’t answer, my friend sighed and said, "Not to mention anything else, but it’s really unusual for the groom to insist on living at the bride’s place after marriage."

Finally, a reminder: "Trust me, I’ve seen all kinds of stuff in my job. Don’t overthink it, but you should keep your eyes open."

I thought my friend had a point. I’d never heard of anyone else doing this. Something about it just didn’t sit right.

So I scoured Reddit and spent a night doomscrolling on Quora. In the end, I couldn’t help it—I had to test him.

I kept cool for two days, then texted my fiancé:

"Babe, I’ve been thinking about it, and you’re right—houses just aren’t appreciating anymore."

He replied instantly, "Yes, yes, babe, you get me."

"You ignored me these last two days—I thought you were mad at me."

Then he sent a kissing GIF: "Maddie, you’re the best wife in the world. Sorry I misunderstood you."

My hand paused over my phone. I sent another message: "But if we get married, we’ll have to rent."

He sent a confused emoji, then said,

"Renting’s fine too. Your two-bedroom’s a little cramped, and after we have kids, it won’t be convenient."

"Maddie, do you want to rent out your place and use that money to cover our rent?"

I realized that, when you set emotions aside, people’s motives become crystal clear. Sometimes you just see things for what they are.

I always thought I was independent—not obsessed with love. I spent my own money, used my own things, and if I got a gift, I’d always give something back of equal value.

But now, I felt like a fool.

He wanted my rent to cover our rent? Seriously? How could he even suggest that?

I didn’t want to go through with the wedding anymore, but I wanted to see if there was more I didn’t know.

So I adjusted my tone and replied casually.

"No, it’s just that you said houses are depreciating, so I thought about it, checked Zillow, and I agree with you. I sold my house too!"

I didn’t expect that as soon as I sent this, my fiancé immediately called.