Couple Finally Saved Enough for Their Dream Home, But a Hidden Financial Scandal Will Cost Them More Than Money.
After five years of dating and diligent saving, the Original Poster (OP) and her boyfriend finally put a deposit on their dream home. Just when they think they’re on the cusp of a new chapter, a dark financial secret involving a deceitful family member shatters their plans. Faced with a compromised credit score and a stalled mortgage application, they must choose between legal confrontation and financial setback, testing the boundaries of love, trust, and family loyalty.
House of Dreams
After five years together, OP, a 27-year-old woman, and her 34-year-old boyfriend finally found a house they loved. They were so enamored that they put down an initial deposit to hold the property. However, the house was yet to be built and would only be ready by the end of the following year.
Crunching Numbers
In the quest to secure their future home, the couple began talks with a mortgage broker and the builder’s finance team. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Then, the unimaginable happened.
The Credit Score
While going through financial assessments, OP’s boyfriend’s credit score returned distressingly low. There were mysterious activities and a defaulted credit card on his statement. Panic began to set in.
The Phantom Credit Card
It turned out that the defaulted credit card was once the boyfriend’s. He was confident that he had closed the account two years ago. But upon further investigation, they discovered unsettling news.
Family Ties and Lies
OP’s boyfriend’s younger brother, who had lived with him years ago, had gotten ahold of the card. The younger brother had been using it for the past two years for various purchases, including shopping, food, and even gambling.
Hidden Statements
OP’s boyfriend had not been receiving any statements or notices because the brother had diverted these to his new address. He was oblivious to the mounting debt and late fees all this time, now amounting to over $5,000.
The Unreachable House
The bad credit score now stood as a gigantic obstacle in their path to homeownership, marriage, starting a business, and a family. The bank wouldn’t approve a loan, putting their dreams on indefinite hold.
Two Roads Diverged
The couple was presented with two choices: 1) To proceed with fraud investigations and take the brother to court, or 2) For the boyfriend to pay off the debt and wait for his credit score to improve over two years.
A Future Delayed
Choosing the second option would delay their plans by at least three years, including their plans to start a family. It would also hinder the boyfriend’s dreams of starting his own business. Despite the havoc wreaked on their lives, the boyfriend remained passive.
The Reluctant Boyfriend
The boyfriend, who disliked conflict, decided to go with the second option, not to delve into the matter, hoping it would “go away.” He didn’t even plan on confronting his brother, rationalizing that he was going through a hard time. OP’s boyfriend had always felt protective of his younger brother and did not want to do anything that would sever ties.
Frustration Mounts
OP felt they had worked too hard to see their dreams crumble because of fraud. She couldn’t fathom giving in without a fight. She wanted her boyfriend to go the route of fraud investigations to clear his name, believing this was the best way to secure their loan, house, and future.
An Uneasy Silence
Despite her insistence, OP’s boyfriend remained steadfast in paying off the debt and avoiding conflict. He was unwavering, even as their dreams dimmed. As a result of the boyfriend’s choice, their plans for homeownership and starting a family were derailed.
The Unfulfilled Business Dream
The boyfriend’s entrepreneurial ambitions were also squashed, as securing a business loan would now be impossible. The year he had earmarked for this significant milestone would pass uneventfully.
A Relationship at the Crossroads
While the boyfriend chose peace over conflict, his decision left OP questioning where they stood. It became clear that they had differing values when it came to confronting problems, setting the stage for tension in their relationship.
Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?
OP posted her story online, hoping for solid advice and guidance from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.
Forum Responds
One reader said, “But is this someone you want to build a life with, having this kind of baggage? He’s willing to pay off a debt incurred by someone fraudulently and not even address it with that person. What happens if this person does it again?”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote, “Been there, done that with a family member destroying my credit, stealing money out of my bank accounts, writing bad checks, stealing my engagement and wedding ring to pawn it.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person states, “This person has not just stolen some money from your boyfriend. They have stolen your chance of having your dream home together. They have stolen your boyfriend’s chance to start his own business. They have stolen your chance to start your family together when you planned to.”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another reader commented, “This will affect BOTH of your future, and he’s making a decision where the people who did wrong get NO consequences and the innocent people get further screwed… all in the name of avoiding conflict.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by a thread from an online forum.
More From Top Dollar
More From Top Dollar
More From Top Dollar
More From Top Dollar
More From Top Dollar
She Refused to Give Boss Her First-Class Seat Upgrade on the Flight Home From a Business Trip.
