My brother drove his wife to despair – and then the unthinkable happened
I always looked up to my brother
Since childhood, my older brother, Oliver, was my role model.
He was my mentor, protector, and someone I aspired to emulate.
When I was about to get married, he advised me:
“Remember one thing, brother. Never let your wife know how much money you have. Give women the chance, and they’ll empty your pockets. Keep her in check, don’t let her get carried away!”
At the time, I thought he was going too far.
But Oliver was five years older, already married, so I decided he knew what he was talking about.
Fortunately, my wife, Emily, was different.
She didn’t chase after brands, didn’t demand expensive gifts, nor did she dream of a lavish lifestyle.
Over time, however, my brother and I drifted apart—our wives didn’t get along, and Oliver was busy with his business.
I played in an orchestra, while he owned farms and lands.
Every time I met him, I prepared myself for criticism.
Oliver always found something to lecture me about.
Money was more important than family
He constantly reprimanded me with:
“You’re irresponsible! Why live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife spend money on nonsense?”
I didn’t argue, but his words got to me.
After such talks, I tried to save, but soon forgot and lived as usual.
Oliver had a daughter called Anna.
He practically kept her under lock and key.
No allowance, no trendy clothes, no makeup.
She was raised with strict discipline.
Occasionally, she visited us, and Emily and I would secretly give her a bit of money.
At 16, Anna ran away from home—just to escape her father’s control.
Oliver even considered this “right”—as if he were to blame for not protecting her.
But I saw something even worse later…
A vacation that turned into torture
Two years ago, we decided to go to the seaside with the whole family.
And I witnessed it all.
My brother berated his wife for every penny.
“More coffee? Can’t you drink at home?”
“Pizza? Are you crazy? That’s exorbitant!”
“Ice cream for the kids? Let them drink water!”
He kept track of every expense, every pound, every receipt.
Walking along the promenade with him was unbearable.
My children wanted candy floss, balloons, souvenirs, like any kid would…
But Oliver just frowned and grumbled:
“You’ll bankrupt your parents, you know?”
Even though he had much more money than I did.
He was just afraid to spend it.
Emily couldn’t take it and suggested:
“Let’s stay a few more days. Without them.”
I agreed.
But Oliver left with his wife that night.
He was in a rush—there was a farm equipment auction waiting for him.
But then the call came in the morning…
They’d crashed.
After that, I was never the same
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Since then, I’ve become a different person.
I no longer save for “old age.”
I no longer worry about the cost of a cup of coffee.
I buy gifts for the kids, nice things for my wife, and good suits for myself.
Yes, money is necessary.
But what’s the point if you hoard it and don’t live?
It’s foolish to cling to money like you’ll take it with you to the grave.
The main thing is not to lose those you love.
Because they can’t be bought.
Not for any amount of money.
