My wifes mother is loaded; well never need to work, my friend beamed, unable to hide his excitement.
My mate, Henry Carter, had always dreamed of living comfortably off someone else’s fortune. He went out of his way to win over a girl from a well-to-do family. It was clear to me he didnt really care for herthere was no real affection, just ambition. I knew nothing good could come from a marriage built on such motives. But Henry was convinced that marrying into wealth would unlock an easy, blissful life. You might believe him if his wife knew a thing about making her own money. But as it turned out, the familys fortune all stemmed from her mother, who owned several thriving shops right in London.
I tried to talk some sense into Henry one afternoon, a drizzle tapping against the café window.
You dont honestly reckon theyll support a layabout, do you? I questioned. Theres real pride in standing on your own two feet.
Oh, dont be so dreary, he laughed it off. Our first childs on the way. They trust me completely!
His stubborn optimism was baffling. What he was doing to his fiancéeit simply wasnt right. A man ought to provide for his family, not live off others hard work.
A while later, my curiosity got the better of meI wondered how they were getting on. When I asked Henry about work, he confessed neither he nor his wife did anything all daythey just lounged about, binging on video games, watching telly, or napping. Her mother footed the bill. In all honesty, part of me was jealous; Henry had achieved exactly what he set out to do.
My mother-in-laws wealthy; well never have to lift a finger, he boasted, flashing a smug grin as if hed cracked lifes code.
It might have lastedif life stayed predictable. But trouble hit the business, the profits plunged. Suddenly, her mother had to offer both her daughter and son-in-law jobs just to keep things afloat.
A month slipped by. Then, my phone rang. Henrys voice, usually so sure, was now tinged with quiet panic. He asked me to lend him £5,000just two weeks, he said.
Im searching for a job. Once I get through the interview, Ill receive an advance and pay you back. We havent a penny left, he admitted, sounding defeated.
And thats how Henrys worry-free days ended. Since then, both he and his wife have taken up proper work. He did pay me back. So much for living off a wealthy family. Best not to rely on anyone elsetrue safety and happiness come from being independent. Only then can you rest easy, truly content.
