Emotional Compensation

Nina always knew Jake was smooth — too smooth. The late nights, the “business trips,”

the suddenly private phone. She didn’t confront him, though.

She had a better plan. For weeks, she smiled, cooked dinner,

kissed him goodbye. Meanwhile, she quietly learned his banking passwords — the same ones

he used for everything. One night, Jake came home smelling like perfume and lies.

“Just a client dinner,” he said, dropping his jacket on the chair. Nina kissed his

cheek. “Of course, babe.” While he showered, she logged in and

transferred $50,000 from his hidden account to her own. Then she packed a suitcase — his