I Thought My Husband Was Proud to Show Me Off—Until His Best Friend Let the Secret Slip

My husband, Mark, always said he was proud of me. At first, I thought his compliments were loving. But over time, I realized he didn’t admire me—he displayed me. He pushed short skirts, tight dresses, and revealing outfits, enjoying the attention I drew from others more than my comfort.

I told myself it was harmless. Until his friend Tyler’s pool party.

Before we left, Mark tossed a tiny bikini onto the bed. “Wear this,” he said casually.

“This is too much,” I told him.

He laughed. “Relax. You look amazing. Don’t be shy.”

At the party, I felt exposed the moment I stepped outside. Men stared. Women whispered. Mark wrapped an arm around me, smiling like I was a trophy. When I asked him to stop, he told me to lighten up.

Then Tyler pulled me aside while Mark was inside.

“You know he doesn’t treat you right,” he said quietly.
“He bets on you.”

I froze.

“He makes wagers with the guys about what he can get you to wear—and how uncomfortable you’ll get. Today’s bikini? Part of a bet.”

Everything went silent. The truth hit hard: Mark wasn’t proud of me. He was using me.

When Mark came back smiling, I wrapped myself in a towel and said, “We’re done here.”

I’m staying with my sister now and speaking to a lawyer.

I refuse to be someone’s trophy ever again.

Am I wrong for wanting a divorce over this?