I teach French at a university. I have two stepchildren, ages 12 and 14. Their mom wants me to teach them at home after my working hours. Isaid, ‘Tm not a free teacher;my work is tiring enough:’ She replied, “What kind of stepmom are you?” My husband didn’t say a word.

The next day, I entered my room and was shocked to find a note that read, “You’re not a free teacher, and this is not a free house:’ I confronted my husband, and he said that if I expect to be paid to teach his kids,then he expects me to pay rent for living under his roof. I refused and said, “You own the house; we don’t rent it:’ Hejust smirked.

A month later, I discovered that my husband had started to secretly use my savings to pay for private tutors for his children. When I confronted him, he admitted it and said, “If you won’t help them, someone has to.” Feeling betrayed and manipulated, I decided to leave and stay with a friend. Now, I’m questioning if I made the right decision or if I overreacted and should have taught the kids from the beginning.