As the rain poured down on me as I left the lawyer’s office, I put on a mask of failure. Under the surface, though, I was thrilled. Michael, my ex-husband, thought he had just been given the keys to our fancy life.
Mike’s never-ending need for money and power was slowly choking me, and our marriage was just a show. There was a plan I had, though, and it would bring him down.
I kept my cool when Mike asked for a divorce because I knew I had the upper hand. The divorce processes were a show because Mike wanted everything. I agreed in a way that seemed weak.
But there was a catch that would make everything different.
When my mom helped pay for the house, there was a clause in the deal that let her live there whenever she wanted. Mike signed it years ago because he was so focused on his own goals.
As soon as I got used to my new life, I sent my mum a message that our plan would begin. Next morning, Mike called, very angry. He was beginning to understand what he had done wrong as my mother took over the house.
“You set me up!” Mike’s yelling voice could be heard over the phone.
As I ate my toast, I smiled. “Do you recall the contract?” For I knew he had already sealed his own fate, I asked.
Mike got very angry, but I stayed cool and enjoyed my win. In the background, my mom’s voice could be heard scolding Mike for his behaviour.
Now it was their turn. Mike thought he had won, but I was always smarter than him.
I took a deep breath and felt truly free when the call stopped. Mike thought I wasn’t as good as I was, and now he was paying for it.
I could still hear my mom’s voice saying, “Turn off that TV!” “Are you sure I want to spend my days listening to that crap?” Because I knew Mike was getting what was coming to him, I laughed.
I felt strong for the first time in years. Mike thought he had me under control, but I was not ready to give up. Now I was enjoying my win.
The split was just a formality; it was an important part of my plan. But what really made me win was being free to start over.
I smiled as I looked around my small but nice flat. Mike would never be able to take away this new start for me.
