Once upon a time, a woman decided to end her marriage after discovering her husband’s infidelity. This decision came at a significant personal cost, as she lost custody of her beloved daughter.

Over the years, her daughter refused to maintain contact, swayed by the belief that her mother was an unkind person. It wasn’t until much later, when the daughter found herself without the means to pay for college, that she reached out to her mother once more.

In January 2022, a woman shared her heartfelt journey in the “AITA” subreddit. At 45, this woman had married into wealth and felt fortunate to have someone who supported her family. Her husband was generous, treating her parents to luxurious gifts and even clearing her sister’s credit card debts. Furthermore, he helped her brother secure a lucrative job.

Her husband charmed not only her family but also won over her parents even during tough times in their marriage, including after his first infidelity. Back then, she had just welcomed their daughter, Kelly, into the world.

Despite feeling vulnerable, the woman was ready to part ways with her husband. However, her family urged her to forgive. They emphasized Kelly’s need for a stable home with both parents present. Convinced by her family’s reasoning, the woman decided to stay, believing she couldn’t be the perfect wife while pregnant.

Yet, she stood firm in her resolve to divorce. Her in-laws opposed this, hoping to sidestep any scandal. Her parents, too, were against the idea, not wanting to lose her husband’s kindness and generosity.

Despite facing opposition, she proceeded with the divorce. During the proceedings, she lost custody of Kelly, as her husband used his wealth to obtain the best legal representation, with the support of her own family.

She did, however, receive alimony and a favorable settlement. Determined to maintain a relationship with Kelly, she arranged visiting hours. But, due to the negative portrayal by her in-laws and parents, Kelly grew up believing her mother was the villain in their story.

Throughout these trying times, the woman found solace in her best friend, Tina. This friendship provided her the support she needed to overcome the challenges she faced. She attempted to contact her daughter, even as she rebuilt her life by becoming an accountant and securing a steady job.

In contrast, her ex-husband’s fortunes changed drastically. Not only did he lose his job, but he also faced legal troubles. Despite his financial problems, he continued with his lavish living habits, eventually exhausting all his savings, including those meant for Kelly’s education.

When Kelly, now 21, sought to reconnect with her mother, she did so primarily for financial reasons. “I won’t lie and say it didn’t hurt that she only wanted my money,” the woman admitted. Nonetheless, she agreed to support Kelly’s education, provided Kelly signed a contract disavowing her inheritance, as stated in the woman’s will.

The woman wished to leave her estate and assets to Laura, her goddaughter and Tina’s daughter, who had been like family over the years. Laura, now 18, shared a close bond with the woman. This decision conflicted with the advice of some relatives who encouraged an equal split between Kelly and Laura.

Though hesitant, the woman wished to avoid turning her relationship with Kelly into a transactional one based on money. Her choices reflected her desire to ensure any future relationship with her daughter was genuine and not motivated by financial need.