“I Dreamed of a Two-Bedroom Home. But My Husband Decided to Buy Two Studios, One for His Mother”: Why Am I the Last to Know?

For over five years, Ella had nurtured a vision of her first home with her husband, Joseph. She pictured a two-bedroom apartment with ample space for them to grow into, a large kitchen where she could cook meals, a cozy living room for their movie nights, and a bright, welcoming bathroom. It was more than just a set of rooms; it was the embodiment of her childhood dreams.

Ella and Joseph had met in college, fallen in love, and married shortly after graduation. They decided to rent a small apartment initially, agreeing to save up for a larger, permanent home. Every month, they diligently set aside a portion of their income, often sacrificing nights out and vacations to grow their savings. Ella’s dream seemed within reach, and her excitement grew with every passing year.

However, as their savings finally reached the amount needed for a down payment, Joseph began acting strangely. He was evasive about their house-hunting plans and often changed the subject when Ella brought it up. Confused and increasingly anxious, Ella decided to confront him one evening after dinner.

“Joseph, we’ve been planning this for years. Why are we not looking at listings or talking to realtors?” she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

Joseph sighed, a look of reluctance on his face. “Ella, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. I made a decision about our living situation,” he confessed.

Ella felt a chill run down her spine. “What decision?” she asked, her heart starting to race.

“Well, I bought two studio apartments last week,” Joseph said quickly, avoiding her gaze.

“Two studios? Why? What about our plans?” Ella’s voice cracked, her dream crumbling before her eyes.

“One of the studios is for us, and the other is for my mother. She’s been feeling lonely since dad passed away, and I thought this would be the best way to keep her close and help her out,” Joseph explained, finally meeting Ella’s eyes.

Ella was stunned. “But why didn’t you discuss this with me? This is our future, Joseph. How could you make such a significant decision without even talking to me about it?”

Joseph looked uncomfortable. “I thought it would be a surprise, and I got a good deal on the studios. I thought you’d be happy that we could finally stop renting.”

“But a studio? Where will we put everything? What about the space we wanted? And privacy from your mother?” Ella’s questions poured out, fueled by a mix of betrayal and disappointment.

Joseph didn’t have answers that could soothe her concerns. The conversation ended with a heavy silence, leaving their relationship strained. Ella spent the night in the small, cluttered living room of their rental, mourning the loss of her dream home and the partnership she thought she had.

In the weeks that followed, Ella tried to make peace with the situation, but the joy of owning a home was overshadowed by the resentment of being the last to know and the drastic shift in her life plans. The studios were practical, but they were a far cry from the dream she had cherished and worked towards for so long.