My brother drove his wife to despair – and then the unthinkable happened
Growing up, I always looked up to my older brother, Luke. He was my mentor, protector, and role model.
Before I got married, he advised:
“Remember this, mate. Never let your wife know how much money you have. Give women freedom, and they’ll empty your pockets. Keep her in check, don’t let her run wild!”
At the time, I thought he was being overly dramatic. But Luke was five years older and already married, so I figured he knew what he was talking about.
Fortunately, my wife, Sophie, wasn’t like that. She didn’t chase after brands, demand expensive gifts, or dream of a lavish lifestyle.
Over time, Luke and I drifted apart – our wives didn’t get along, and Luke was busy with his business. I played in an orchestra; he owned farms and fields.
Whenever we met, I braced myself for his criticisms. Luke always found something to scold me about.
Family took a backseat to money
He constantly reminded me:
“You’re irresponsible! Why live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife spend on nonsense?”
I didn’t argue, but his words stung. I’d save for a while after those talks but soon slipped back into my old ways.
Luke had a daughter, Anna. He kept her on a tight leash – no pocket money, fashionable clothes, or makeup. She grew up under strict rules.
Sometimes she’d visit us, and Sophie and I would secretly give her some money. At 16, Anna ran away from home, desperate to escape her father’s control.
Even then, Luke thought it was “right” – blaming himself for not keeping her safe.
But the worst was yet to come…
A holiday turned into a nightmare
Two years ago, we decided to have a family trip to the seaside. That’s when I saw it all.
Luke was relentless in berating his wife over every penny.
“Another coffee? Can’t you have it at home?”
“Pizza? Are you mad? That’s insane money!”
“Ice cream for the kids? They can drink water!”
He scrutinized every expense, every pound, every receipt. Strolling with him along the promenade was impossible.
Like all kids, mine wanted candyfloss, balloons, and souvenirs. But Luke just frowned and muttered:
“You’re going to bankrupt your parents, you know?”
Even though he had far more money than I did, he was terrified of spending it.
Sophie couldn’t take it anymore and suggested, “Let’s stay a couple more days. Without them.”
I agreed. Luke left with his wife that night, eager to return for a farming equipment auction. But the next morning, I received the call…
They’d had an accident.
After that, I changed forever
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Since then, I’m a different person. I no longer save “for old age.” I don’t worry about the cost of a cup of coffee.
I buy gifts for my children, beautiful things for my wife, and fine suits for myself.
Yes, money matters. But what’s the use of hoarding it if you’re not living?
It’s foolish to cling to money as if you can take it with you to the grave.
The most important thing is not to lose the ones you love. Because they can’t be bought. Not for any amount of money.
