When Max lost $2 million gambling, Jake and his mom expected me to sacrifice my condo, which I’d bought before we met, to bail him out. They threatened custody battles if I refused.

Luckily, I’d anticipated this and put the condo in a trust for Kelly. I hired a lawyer, filed for separation and custody, and protected our home. Now, Jake and his mom are out of the picture, and Kelly and I live peacefully in the condo—legally hers.Family isn’t about blind loyalty or sacrifice; it’s about protecting those you love. I chose my daughter’s future. Was I wrong?