My name is Charity. I am married to my husband Chido; we’re both 28 years old. I dated him while I worked at NOCZIM Insurance as a security.

Our love was pure and full of passion in the beginning. Chido decided that we should immigrate to South Africa, I agreed without hesitation, it was a chance to go after our dreams and this would be a great adventure.

There weren’t any problems with our visas. I found myself lucky leaving with my husband as many women do not get that privilege to immigrate with their husbands, they often get left behind and their husbands never return.

I thought that this would cause my husband and me to be closer. Chido is an accountant. He got a job at the biggest firm in Johannesburg. I too, applied at a few companies and got lucky with an insurance company called Malcolm Insurance as a receptionist.

Everything went well in our marriage. Chido treated me with so much love and would do anything for me. No one could question our love, it was strongly rooted. However, things changed when I got a promotion at my job. I was no longer a receptionist only but now a secretary and I was earning more than my husband.

“I got promoted as a secretary babe!” I exclaimed with joy.

“Wow, Charity! I am happy for you. How much is your pay?” He asked after giving me a hug.

“R18000,” I answered proudly.

“Oh, I see.” He said sadly.

I ignored his sudden tone of voice. I was much too delighted and happy to let his tone get to me. I then went to the kitchen and prepared the best supper.

Everything in me wanted to explode in a dance and song but my husband’s sadness has affected me and I suddenly found my joy depleting from me.

We ate quietly. I stared at him but he never looked up from his plate.

“Thanks, I’m off to bed. Goodnight.” He said coldly after eating and left.

Normally, he would help me with the dishes but tonight I did it on my own. Was he happy for me or envious that I earned more than him now? My mind kept thinking about his attitude.

The next morning I woke up and prepared his breakfast. I was already bathed and ready for work. While I put the food on the table, he walked in with no shirt.

“You’re not dressed? Hai, you’re gonna be late.” I warned but his face became angry.

“Where is my blue shirt?” He asked looking furious.

“It’s in the closet. Get dressed quickly, we will be late.” I answered.

He came closer to me and gave me such a hard slap on my face. I nearly fell over if it was not for the wall behind me which helped to maintain my balance.

“What did I do?” I asked surprised.

“Do you think just because you earn more than me now you can disrespect me? Go fetch it!” He demanded.

I went to the bathroom. I then noticed my cheek was red and swollen. I checked the closet and handed him the shirt on a hanger. Before I could walk away, he grabbed my arm and yelled at me stating the shirt needs to be ironed.

“Do you not see it’s not ironed?” He hissed.

“But…” I tried to talk and he pushed me out.

“I want it ironed straight with no lines!” He shouted.

I went to iron it. I was silent and in shock. I left his shirt on the chair and went to work.