Husband's Obsession Costs Mom's Life

My husband was obsessed with a social media influencer, blowing even the money set aside for Milana's funeral. Her cancer had worsened, leaving her hospitalized.

When I went to pay the medical bills, I found our bank account empty—Gianni had spent it all on that internet personality. Milana was left without a hospital bed, forced to sit on a chair in the hallway, silently wiping away tears as she trembled in pain.

I called Gianni in desperation, needing money, only to be met with a barrage of insults.

"Why should I care if your mom is sick? Ryleigh's family is going through a rough time. How could I not help her out?"

"What kind of son wishes his own mother dead to get money? It's disgraceful."

Listening to him, Milana closed her eyes in resignation. She missed her chance for urgent treatment. I spent the night mourning a woman who had always been kind to me. Eventually, I returned home and handed over the last bit of money I had to Gianni.

"Use this to help Ryleigh," I said.

---

"Alaiya, you had money all along and didn't offer it sooner?" Gianni slurred, confronting me with drunken anger as he saw the bank card I handed him. "I'm short today, and Ryleigh lost her challenge. Now she's upset with me."

I dodged the swing he aimed at me, staring at him with nothing but contempt.

"Gianni, Milana's gone. You can see her one last time in the morning," I said, my voice flat, filled only with a cold disgust.

"Your mom's death means nothing to me. I asked her for the settlement money for the old house, and she refused. Better off dead. The money's from the settlement, right? Should have given it to me sooner," he sneered, slurring his words.

I was done arguing. Despite my attempts to reach out these past few days, telling him that his own mother was sick, it was clear he couldn't care less. The money on that card wasn't from the settlement at all; it was a loan I took against the house to pay for Milana's cremation. Still, it didn’t matter how he spent it; he'd already drained every penny I'd saved over the years.

I consulted a lawyer, who assured me that as long as I kept evidence, his debts wouldn't fall on me. Additionally, if I could prove Ryleigh had manipulated him, I might reclaim what's rightfully mine.

Gianni, muttering more insults as I stood silent, finally took the bank card with glee and dialed a number on his phone. Seconds later, a sweet but impatient voice answered.

"Gianni, I told you, losing the challenge today has me down. I don't know when my family can recover. I'm not in the mood, so quit bothering me," Ryleigh's voice came through.

He responded with the eagerness of someone infatuated. "Ryleigh, didn't I say the company was in a bind? But that's over now. I've got funds. Where are you? Let's meet. I'll give you the money."

Gianni's eyes glinted with excitement as he gulped back his enthusiasm. The voice on the other end shifted to coy joy, barely contained.

"Gianni, you know my situation. No matter how much money you have, I can't pay right now."

"Why talk about paying me back? My money’s not contingent on that. Just take it. Where are you?" he said, glancing at me briefly before heading outside, his voice slick with assurance.

I saw my opportunity. Grabbing my coat, I turned on the camera and followed.

Gianni headed to a nightclub. I'd heard that many influencers worked there, broadcasting during the day and working the floors at night.

As I tried to follow him in, a bouncer blocked my path.

"You can't just walk in. This is an exclusive venue. Got a membership?" he asked.

I hesitated but was determined to get evidence. "I'm here to find someone."

"Find someone? I know your type. No money, trying to land a big fish," he sneered, pointing at Gianni's disappearing figure. "That guy spent nearly a hundred grand this month. Go fish somewhere else."

I circled back, finally locating a window. Luckily, Gianni's table was nearby, close enough for the camera to capture both video and sound.