As my boyfriend Matt offered to cover our rent, it felt like something out of a fairy tale.

“Let me take care of you,” he said, and I believed we were building a life together.

I had no idea I was walking into a trap.

We’d been together for two years, and moving in seemed like the next natural step.

I worked a modest nonprofit job, barely making ends meet.

Matt, with his tech salary, told me not to worry—he’d handle the rent.

“You’ll be the mother of my children someday,” he said. “Let me provide for you.” I was moved by his words and agreed.