The Deal of a Lifetime Made Me a Millionaire—And Cost Me My Marriage (2 of 4)

When I opened the door, my wife, Sienna, was already waiting. She stood barefoot in our living room, wrapped in a pale satin robe, swirling a glass of wine. She raised an eyebrow at the duffel in my hand.

“What’s that?”

“A symbol,” I said, setting it down gently. “Ten million dollars in play money. But the real deal’s done.”

She laughed—soft, almost breathless. “Is it real?”

“Not technically. The actual funds hit Monday. But this?” I gestured to the bag. “This is proof.”

She walked over and ran her fingers along the zipper. “And you’re just leaving it out like this?”

I shrugged. “Why not? We’re good, right?”

She smiled, a little too long. “Want me to put it away? I’ll lock it in the closet tonight.”

“Sure,” I said, already halfway toward the bedroom. “Just don’t spend it all in one place.”

She laughed again—something about it felt distant. But I didn’t think much of it. I was too tired, too satisfied, too proud to imagine anything could go wrong.

That night, I slept like a man who believed his world was safe.