TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS AFTER EVERY NIGHT — THE PRICE OF A GUILT
My name is Anna Walker.
From a very young age, I knew I was lucky. Not because I was born into a wealthy family, but because I was blessed with a pretty face and a tall, well-proportioned figure. People often said I had a “fortunate fate.” But my mother never believed in luck alone. She believed that a woman’s destiny was largely decided by the man she married.
“Listen to me,” my mother used to say, “a woman can be clever all she wants, but it still won’t beat good fortune. In the end, what truly sets women apart is the kind of husband they marry.”
That was why, from the time I was little, she insisted I take my education seriously. I didn’t have to get into a top university, but I absolutely could not neglect my studies. I had to be educated, qualified, so that when I stepped into society, at the very least, I wouldn’t be looked down on.
I listened to her. I studied hard. I consistently ranked among the better students. But education wasn’t the only thing my mother wanted for me.
She wanted me to marry rich.
1. Loves That Never Had a Chance
During my college years, I fell in love like any other girl. I dated a few classmates—kind, ambitious young men. But like me, they were just students. No house. No car. Barely enough money to support themselves.
Every time my mother found out, she shut it down immediately.
“You’re wasting your time,” she said bluntly. “Youth doesn’t come back. Loving men with empty hands will only lead to suffering.”
I argued. My mother cried. In the end, I was the one who gave in. Those innocent relationships ended one by one, leaving me with disappointment—but also teaching me to choose reason over emotion.
2. The Man Named Benjamin Harris
After graduating and working for a few years, I met Benjamin Harris.
Benjamin was ten years older than me. When I was twenty-six, he was thirty-six. He owned a mid-sized import–export company, with his own office, his own car, and a bank account large enough to make my mother proudly hold her head high among relatives and neighbors.
Benjamin wasn’t romantic. He was calm, reserved, always carrying the air of a man who had seen enough of life. He told me he hadn’t married yet because he was too focused on his company, leaving no time for love.
I believed him.
I was young, attractive, educated, and well-mannered. Gradually, I noticed the way Benjamin looked at me had changed. And this time, I didn’t wait for him to make the first move.
I confessed my feelings.
Everything progressed so smoothly that it felt unreal. Benjamin took me home to meet his family. His mother adored me from the first meeting. Both families approved of the relationship wholeheartedly.
Our wedding was held in grand style at a luxury hotel in New York. My mother beamed with pride. So did I.
I truly believed I had made the right choice.
3. A Comfortable Life — And One Strange Detail
After marriage, I never had to worry about money. I quit my job and stayed home, focusing on taking care of myself and occasionally helping Benjamin with small matters. Household chores were handled by a housekeeper. I lived the life of a business owner’s wife.
There was only one thing that made me uneasy.
After every night we were intimate, Benjamin would transfer exactly $400 into my bank account.
The first time, I was surprised.
The second time, confused.
By the third time, I asked him directly.
“Why do you do this?”
Benjamin just smiled and gently touched my head.
“It’s a reward. Buy whatever you like.”
What wife wouldn’t feel happy receiving money from her husband? I convinced myself it was simply his way of being generous. I even felt a strange sense of pride. I thought to myself, this really is the comfort of marrying rich.
I didn’t realize that every transfer was slowly cutting into my heart.
4. The Dress and the Half-Closed Door
One day, I bought a beautiful dress. I decided to wear it to my husband’s office to show him. I wanted to see that proud look in his eyes.
When I arrived, the secretary told me Benjamin was inside his office discussing business with a close friend. I waited outside. The door was slightly ajar.
And then I heard my husband’s voice.
“Every time I sleep with my wife, I end up thinking about Linda. I feel guilty toward her… so I transfer money to my wife as a way to atone.”
My heart stopped.
His friend replied, “So you’re still tangled up with Linda? I heard she already has a husband and children in the States.”
Benjamin sighed.
“There’s nothing I can do. When she came back looking for me… I just couldn’t let go.”
I turned away. I covered my mouth so I wouldn’t cry out loud. I was terrified of making any sound—terrified they would realize I had heard everything.
The secretary looked confused as I hurried out. But inside me, my entire world had collapsed.
5. The Cruel Truth
It turned out Benjamin had once shared a long-term relationship with Linda, but his family never approved of her. She moved to the United States, got married, but lived an unhappy life. When she returned, it was exactly when Benjamin and I were preparing to get married.
He couldn’t forget his past love.
But he also didn’t dare go against his parents.
And I—the lawful wife—was merely the safe choice.
I wasn’t the woman he loved.
I was the woman who helped him fulfill his role.
6. A Sleepless Night
I asked myself where I had gone wrong.
Was it wrong to want to marry rich? I had given him everything—my first night, my devotion, my care for his family. I never betrayed him. I never neglected my duties.
So why did I become the outsider in my own marriage?
I was in unbearable pain. Yet when I thought about divorce, I hesitated.
A failed marriage. A life marked as “once divorced.” Giving up a wealthy husband—would I still be able to find happiness again?
Or would I continue accepting those transfers, trading my silence for comfort?
7. My Choice
The next morning, I deleted every transaction record from my bank account.
I stopped spending that money.
I looked at Benjamin, and for the first time in our marriage, I asked a question not meant to please anyone:
“If there were no money… would you still need me?”
Benjamin didn’t answer.
And in that silence, I already had my answer.
8. In the End
I haven’t divorced him yet.
But I am no longer the woman who believes money can cover everything.
Some mistakes—no matter how much money you use to wash them away—still leave behind the stench of betrayal.
And I know that the day I am strong enough to walk away… is not far off anymore.
