Following years of a marriage in which Mike was obsessed with money and personal belongings, Nicole surprises everyone by voluntarily giving up everything during their divorce. Nicole’s laughing quietly indicates a carefully thought-out plan that is about to come to fruition as Mike basks in what he perceives to be his victorious “win.” Mike has not yet realized that Nicole’s secret plan is about to be implemented.
I looked like the stereotypical picture of a defeated ex-wife as I left the lawyer’s office, my shoulders dropped and my face blank. The rain was falling heavily, and the overcast sky complemented the mood I wanted to convey.However, I was giddy with anticipation on the inside.
I walked to the elevator, my fingertips gripping the chilly steel door handle. It was ideal that no one was around.I chuckled a little when the elevator doors softly ding shut behind me. It simply gushed out from deep inside, like champagne escaping after a bottle is popped, and wasn’t something I had intended.
I started laughing more and more as I reflected on what I had just done, until I was practically laughing in the elevator like someone who had finally lost it.
People would have likely assumed that I had gone crazy from the stress if they had seen me. However, this was only the beginning. Everything was proceeding just as planned.
Mike could have the savings, the car, the house. That’s exactly what I desired. The nicest part was that he thought he had won. He had absolutely no idea what was going to happen next.
I had been playing my part for far too long, and it was all an act. I knew the end was nigh because the fractures had begun to appear and our arguments were getting more regular.
However, I didn’t fear the divorce. I was familiar enough with Mike to know exactly how things would turn out.
He had no desire to keep our marriage intact. No, he only wanted to win—to win the divorce itself, the money, and the house.
I just wanted to leave that materialistic, shallow life behind. However, I also wasn’t going to allow him to exploit me. I therefore made the decision to give Mike the impression that he was receiving what he wanted, but with a small twist that he wouldn’t anticipate.
It took place on a Tuesday. As usual, Mike arrived home late. He barged in while I was in the kitchen, feigning to browse through my phone without looking up.
“We must speak.”
I let out a groan, not even trying to disguise my lack of interest. “Now what?”
I could sense his annoyance permeating the room as he slammed his keys onto the counter. When things weren’t going his way at work, he would always act like this, and I was the obvious person he was most likely to get angry at.
His voice was tense as he said, “I’m done.” “I’d like a divorce.”Calm on the outside but prepared for this, I blinked up at him. I had spent weeks getting ready for this.”All right,” I said nonchalantly.He gave me a startled expression. “Is that all? No dispute? No pleading?I gave a shrug. “What’s the point?”He appeared startled for a moment, as if I had suddenly snatched the fight away from him. He obviously thought I would beg him to stay.However, I was just allowing him enough room to hang himself.
The divorce talks were just as awful as I had thought they would be. Mike rattled off all he needed as we sat across from one other in a dead conference room with lawyers on either side. The home, the vehicle,
I got a glance from my lawyer that indicated, “Are you sure?” However, I simply nodded.Mike blinked. “What?” “What?””You can have it,” I said. I only want my personal belongings, nothing else.Stunned, he gazed at me. You don’t want the house, do you? or the cash?”Nope,” I said, reclined in my seat. “You own it all.”His surprise gave way to ecstasy. Fantastic. After that, spend this afternoon packing your belongings. There should be plenty of time because it’s not much. Mike looked at his timepiece. “I anticipate you leaving by six o’clock.”
“No issue,” I said.
He straightened his posture and puffed out his chest as if he had won the lottery. And I gave him credence.
I picked up my phone as soon as I got out of the elevator. After a brief time of hovering, I composed a brief message: I’m going to the house to pack up my belongings. When it’s time to initiate contact, I’ll give you a call.
I grinned and pushed send. The real fun was about to begin now.
It wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated to pack up the house. I only wanted a few personal belongings, mainly those that contained memories that Mike hadn’t destroyed. The house never quite seemed like mine, and it was always too enormous.
I picked up the phone to make the call as I was closing the final box. It took two rings before my mother, Barbara, answered.
“Hey,” I said, attempting to sound informal. “Now is the moment.”
After a little silence, Mom’s typical direct voice emerged. “At last. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”
Mike was never liked by Mom. When they first met, she saw right through his ostentatious performance. The finest thing is that she assisted us in purchasing this home. Mike is going to lose it because of her, even though he thought he was getting a terrific deal.
I hung up and looked around, feeling lighter. No more acting like you’re someone you’re not.
My phone rang the following morning when I was preparing breakfast in my new flat. I had to snicker as Mike’s name appeared on the screen.”Hello?” I replied politely.”You framed me!” Mike’s voice was so angry that it was almost trembling.I bit into a piece of toast and put the phone on speaker mode. “What are you talking about, I apologize?””Your mommy!” he snarled. I have her in my home! Everything has been taken over by her!As I chewed, I said, “Oh, right.” “Do you recall the small contract we signed when she provided the down payment? The one that permits her to reside there for as long as she desires and whenever she pleases?There was a long silence during which I could practically hear his mind racing. I might imagine.
My mother’s strong, clear voice came over the phone before he could finish. “You had better leave that coffee table, Michael! Additionally, quit hoarding the remote!
Mike seemed to have turned away from the phone to murmur something, because there was a rustling sound. “This is my house, Barbara—”
Mom interrupted him with a louder voice, “Oh, hush.” It’s also my home. Furthermore, these foods are terrible. Are you even familiar with food shopping? I can’t live off of frozen dinners!
I had to bite my lip to contain my laughter. Mike muttered something, still struggling to control his annoyance, but Mom’s voice interrupted him once more before he could finish.
And give that dumb TV a shove! Do you really think I want to spend my days listening to that bullshit? At the very least, turn down the volume if you’re going to watch those ridiculous car shows!
The phone call stopped abruptly, followed by a loud crash and more groaning. I sat at the table, smiling and leaning back to take a deep breath.
Never has freedom felt so good.
Although this work has been fictionalized for artistic reasons, it is based on actual individuals and events. To preserve privacy and improve the story, names, characters, and specifics have been altered. Any likeness to real people—living or dead—or real events is entirely accidental and not the author’s intention.
The publisher and author disclaim all liability for any misunderstanding and offer no guarantees regarding the veracity of events or character portrayals. The opinions contained in this narrative are those of the characters and do not represent the author’s or publisher’s perspectives. It is presented “as is.”