My Wife Took $10K from My Daughter’s College Fund for Her Kid’s Vacation—I Had to Stand Up for What’s Right

I’ve always tried to keep the peace as a dad, but when I learned my wife, Karen, swiped $10,000 from my daughter’s college fund for her own daughter’s trip, I couldn’t stay silent. I’m Mark, 46, and my 18-year-old daughter, Lily, has been my anchor since her mom passed when she was five. Five years ago, I married Karen, who came with her 12-year-old daughter, Ava. I wanted us to be a real family, but Lily and Ava never clicked, keeping their distance. I worked hard to be fair—equal gifts, shared meals, family vacations. I’d saved for Lily’s college forever and started a fund for Ava, too, to support her future.

A young woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

Two weeks ago, I checked Lily’s college account, expecting to see the fruits of my labor. Instead, $10,000 was gone. My stomach dropped. I called Lily, who sounded shaken. “I didn’t take it,” she said. “Karen got my account info for Ava’s trip. She told me not to tell.” I was stunned. In the kitchen, Karen sat, sipping coffee, unbothered. “What’s this about Lily’s college fund?” I asked. She glanced up, casual. “Ava needed it for her dream fashion camp in Paris. Lily was okay with it.” I was livid. “You took $10,000 without asking me?” Karen shrugged, saying Lily had enough and Ava deserved it.

“It’s family money,” she said, as if that settled it. “Lily’s going to a state school, anyway.” My heart broke for Lily. “Ava’s college fund is closed,” I said firmly. Karen gasped, calling me cruel. Ava burst in, sobbing, “You hate me!” I told her, “You stole from Lily. You could’ve asked.” Karen stood by her, but I was done pretending we were united. I slept in the guest room, the betrayal heavy. Karen’s mom called, offering to repay, urging me to think of the “family.” But my family was Lily, who felt robbed. She came home, sitting quietly. “I didn’t want trouble,” she said, nibbling a cookie I’d gotten her. “You’re not wrong,” I assured her.

Days later, Karen, with a fresh haircut, asked if we’d let this end us. “It’s about trust,” I said. She left, slamming doors, calling me selfish. Lily starts college soon, with enough left, but the emotional cost lingers. Karen and Ava barely contact me, but I don’t regret protecting Lily. Some say I’m playing favorites; I say I’m doing right by my daughter, who never asked for more than she deserved.

 

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