I returned early from a work trip, excited to surprise my husband, David, and our kids, Sophie and Ben. Their hugs and David’s soft smile always warmed me after twelve years. But our home was silent—no kid giggles, no TV. David worked from home, and the kids should’ve been there. In the backyard, a mysterious tent stood, the grass flattened around it. Thinking it was a family adventure, I approached, but David crawled out, sweaty and unkempt, struggling with his shirt.
“What’s happening?” I asked, heart pounding. He paled as the tent stirred. Inside, incense overwhelmed me, and I saw David’s mother, Clara, with crystals and an “Energy Flow” chart. “You’re back early,” she said. I pressed for answers. David muttered about “spiritual cleansing,” while Clara claimed my career “clouded” our home, needing weekly rituals. The kids were at David’s aunt’s, sent away for “pure vibes.” I tried to engage, attending a session, but then I checked our finances.
Monthly $1,000 payments to Clara’s “SoulLight LLC” and a $50,000 equity withdrawal stunned me. “It’s for her wellness center,” David said, dismissing our kids’ savings. “You hid this?” I snapped. He called it “destiny,” blaming my “resistance.” I demanded he choose us or this. He chose Clara. I froze our accounts, hired Mom a lawyer, Rachel, and filed for divorce and custody, citing financial deceit. I posted the truth online, and Clara’s “healing” business fell apart.
The divorce was swift. David lives with Mom, his mom selling “charged” stones. The kids and Mom and I stayed in our home, saving again. The tent revealed David’s priorities, empowering me to secure our future with courage.
