Being a dad means picking your fights, but when I found out my wife, Rachel, took $10,000 from my daughter’s college fund for her own daughter’s vacation, I couldn’t keep quiet. I’m Tom, 46, and my 18-year-old daughter, Chloe, has been my rock since her mom died when she was five. Five years ago, I married Rachel, who brought her daughter, Bella, into our home. I wanted a blended family, but Chloe and Bella were like strangers, barely speaking. I kept things fair—same gifts, group dinners, shared trips. I’d saved for Chloe’s college since she was tiny and started a fund for Bella, too.
Two weeks ago, I checked Chloe’s college account, expecting to see my hard work. Instead, $10,000 was missing. My heart sank. I called Chloe, who sounded upset. “I didn’t take it,” she said. “Rachel used my account for Bella’s trip. She said to keep quiet.” I was floored. In the kitchen, Rachel sat, scrolling her phone, sipping soda. “What’s up with Chloe’s college fund?” I asked. She barely looked up. “Bella needed it for her K-pop concert tour in Asia. Chloe was cool with it.” I was furious. “You took $10,000 without telling me?” Rachel shrugged, saying Chloe had plenty and Bella deserved it.
“It’s family money,” she said, dismissing me. “Chloe’s going to a state school.” My anger flared. “Bella’s college fund is done,” I said. Rachel freaked, calling me mean. Bella stormed in, crying, “You’re ruining everything!” I told her, “You stole from Chloe. Why not ask?” Rachel backed her, but I was done pretending we were a team. I slept on the couch, the betrayal raw. Rachel’s mom called, offering to repay, urging me to see the “big picture.” But the picture was Chloe’s hurt. She came home, looking small. “I didn’t want to mess things up,” she said, holding a donut I’d bought. “You’re not selfish,” I said.
Days later, Rachel, with new earrings, asked if we’d let this break us. “It’s about trust,” I said. She left, slamming doors, calling me cold. Chloe starts college soon, with just enough left. Rachel and Bella barely speak to me, but I don’t regret choosing Chloe. Some call it favoritism; I call it protecting my daughter, who never asks for more than she’s given.
