Margaret, the wife of a wealthy businessman named Conon, was aware of her husband’s charitable efforts, but when she found out about his daily visits to an old metal hut with a child inside, suspicions began to rise.
Conon was a successful entrepreneur who built his fortune from scratch. He was well-known not only for the multiple businesses he owned but also for his charitable work. A man of great kindness and generosity, he regularly donated large sums to orphanages and hospitals. Despite his generous nature, his wife Margaret held a contrasting view.
Margaret disliked that her husband spent his hard-earned money on strangers, dismissing his efforts as spending money “on nothing.” A rather superficial individual, she always sought the latest designer items and traveled to luxurious destinations worldwide.
One day, she heard from a friend that Conon was seen leaving the same old metal hut near a caravan park every day. It seemed he was visiting someone there, and this didn’t sit well with her. Could he be having an affair? Did he have an illegitimate child?
When Conon returned home, Margaret asked him about his whereabouts that evening. “I was at work, of course. Then I stopped by a friend’s office for a quick chat,” he replied.
Margaret could sense he was lying, fueling her suspicions further. She resolved to follow him in the upcoming days to verify her friend’s claims.
After several days, Margaret noticed a baby stroller parked in front of the metal hut her husband visited daily. Her heart pounded with anxiety, suspecting he indeed had an illegitimate child. She could even hear a baby crying inside the hut.
Unable to contain herself, Margaret stormed in angrily. There, she spotted Conon standing beside a woman holding a child. “Conon! What’s happening here? Who is she, and why do you visit her daily? Are you having an affair?” she blurted out, overwhelmed with emotion.
“Margaret, please let me explain. Let’s talk about this at home,” Conon urged, trying to calm her. The woman holding the child seemed troubled and avoided Margaret’s fiery gaze.
Conon and Margaret left the hut and headed straight home. At their dining table, Margaret crossed her arms, staring at Conon expectantly. “Go ahead,” she demanded. “Explain yourself.”
“You know I’d never cheat on you, Margaret. It hurts me that you even think that. Yet, I must admit I’ve kept things from you. I know you’re not in favor of my charitable work, but it’s something I want to continue,” he confessed.
“Two weeks ago, I noticed this woman, Lucy, with her child. She was out on the street begging for money. I approached her and handed her $100 so she could buy a warm blanket and diapers for her daughter. She was hesitant to tell me why they were on the streets,” he explained.
Margaret maintained her stern demeanor, refusing to soften her gaze towards him. Conon continued, recounting that Lucy had been living in that hut for three months.
“Her husband left her three months ago, promising to find work in another city and return in two months. He never came back. I offered to get them a furnished apartment for the child’s comfort, but she refused. Lucy said she loved him and wanted to wait where he promised to return,” Conon divulged.
He further expressed his inability to forgive himself if something happened to the woman and her child, especially knowing their plight. Hence, he visited them daily, bringing hot meals and other essentials.
“I don’t believe you. That woman is your mistress, isn’t she?” accused Margaret.
“Margaret, of course not! How can you say such a thing? Wouldn’t you help if you were in my position?” he asked.
“No, and I don’t want you continuing to support her. If you don’t stop, I’ll file for divorce,” she threatened.
Conon shook his head. “I won’t do that, Margaret. Don’t threaten me with divorce just because you disapprove of me helping others. We have more than enough money for a lifetime—what’s a few thousand dollars to help others?”
Realizing Conon wouldn’t be persuaded, Margaret rolled her eyes and stormed out of the dining room. The next day, she did something unthinkable.
She went to court, attempting to strip Lucy of her parental rights. The angry wife claimed Lucy didn’t have the means to support her child and swindled married men for money.
Conon learned of Margaret’s actions through his driver. Furious, he rushed to the courthouse and confronted her. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, barging into the attorney’s office where Margaret was seated.
“Doing what that woman deserves,” Margaret retorted coldly.
“Have you no compassion for others? I can’t believe I married such a monster! Attorney, please excuse us,” he said, gently leading his wife out of the office.
“Margaret, do you still not understand why I am so inclined to support her? My father left my mother and me on the streets when I was four! We were deprived of a comfortable childhood, begging on the streets and seeking food banks!” he retorted passionately.
Margaret was aware of Conon’s past, but she had never been bothered by it. She was too focused on his rags-to-riches story, which allowed her to live the luxurious life she indulged in now.
“Now I have the ability to ensure that others I encounter don’t face the same hardships, and you have no right to stop me from helping others with the money I’ve worked hard to earn. I don’t know why I’ve spent so much time with a monster like this. I’m done with this relationship. I will file for divorce!” he declared, giving Margaret one last look before leaving.
Shocked, Margaret tried to follow Conon, pleading for one last chance, but he refused. He sent her divorce papers and asked her to leave their home immediately.
Forced to live alone, Margaret had to sell all her designer items to afford a room to stay in. Meanwhile, Conon continued to run a successful business and engage in philanthropic efforts. He also kept helping Lucy, who was heartbroken after realizing her partner would never return for her and their child.
Conon secured an apartment for Lucy, and as they settled into it, they got to know each other better. They ended up getting married and had a child together, whom they raised with love and care.
What can we learn from this story?
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” Conon understood that being wealthy came with the responsibility of helping those with less. He led a successful business, enabling him to carry out charitable deeds that benefited hundreds in his hometown.
Everything happens for a reason. Lucy was in despair after her partner left her and their child. She hoped he’d return and restore normalcy. However, when she realized it wouldn’t happen, new opportunities opened up, leading her to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationship with Conon.
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