From the outside, my marriage to Mike seemed like a dream. A big house, a fancy car, luxurious vacations – we had it all. Or rather, he had it all. For Mike, life was a competition, and he always had to be the best. What he didn’t realize, however, was that while he was busy showing off his perfect life, I was quietly planning my escape.
Mike and I had been drifting apart for years. His obsession with material possessions and public perception left little room for genuine connection. When he finally told me he wanted a divorce, I wasn’t heartbroken—I was relieved. But what shocked me was how he immediately demanded everything: the house, the car, and our savings.
“It’s only fair,” he argued smugly, tossing me my clothes in a few trash bags. “You can keep your personal stuff, but the rest? It’s mine.”
I nodded, barely able to suppress a smirk. “Sure, Mike. Take it all.”
My lawyer was baffled by my willingness to let him win. “You’re entitled to at least half,” she insisted.
“It’s fine,” I replied, a glimmer of amusement in my voice. “Let him have it. I don’t want any of it.”
We finalized the divorce quickly, and I moved out the same day. While Mike reveled in his supposed victory, I was busy putting the final piece of my plan in place. I made one last phone call before leaving, ensuring that everything was ready.
The Aftermath
The next morning, I woke up to my phone buzzing non-stop. Mike was calling. I let it ring a few times, savoring the moment, before picking up.
“What have you done?!” he yelled, his voice almost shaking.
“Oh, Mike,” I said, barely able to hold back my laughter. “Why the tantrum?”
“You know what!” he barked. “I’m standing in MY living room, and I see YOUR ridiculous floral wallpaper peeling off the walls!”
Ah, yes. The wallpaper. I had chosen it years ago—bright pink roses with a touch of glitter. Mike had always hated it, calling it “garish” and “impossible to remove.”
“And that’s not all,” he continued, his anger escalating. “The hot tub in the backyard doesn’t work, the pipes are leaking, and the car you were so eager to let me have? It won’t start!”
“Really?” I replied innocently. “How unfortunate.”
In reality, Mike’s prized possessions were all part of a carefully orchestrated plan. The house he fought so hard for was a money pit. It looked impressive, but beneath the surface, it was riddled with problems. The plumbing needed a complete overhaul, the roof leaked during every storm, and the heating system was on its last legs. I had tried to warn him about these issues during our marriage, but he dismissed me, saying, “It’s all under control.”
As for the car, it was flashy but far from reliable. The engine had been giving me trouble for months, and the repair costs were astronomical. Mike was so focused on claiming it that he didn’t bother to inspect its condition.
Starting Fresh
While Mike was dealing with his crumbling kingdom, I was thriving. I had moved into a cozy apartment, free from the constant upkeep and stress of maintaining a mansion. I found a new job that paid well, surrounded myself with supportive friends, and started pursuing hobbies I’d long neglected.
The money Mike thought he won in the divorce? It barely covered the mounting repairs on his prized possessions. He called me several times, begging for help or advice, but I always responded the same way:
“Mike, you wanted it all. Enjoy.”
A Lesson in Priorities
Looking back, I don’t regret a thing. Letting go of the material things allowed me to focus on what truly mattered: my peace of mind and happiness. Mike’s obsession with appearances blinded him to the reality of his situation. He thought he had won by taking everything, but in the end, he was left with a pile of expensive problems.
The Takeaway
Divorces often become battles over possessions, but this story is a reminder that not everything is as valuable as it seems. Sometimes, the best way to win is to walk away, leaving the other person to grapple with the weight of their own greed.
Ryan Bennett is a Creative Story Writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives that captivate and inspire readers. With years of experience in storytelling and content creation, Ryan has honed his skills at Bengali Media, where he specializes in weaving unique and memorable stories for a diverse audience.
Ryan holds a degree in Literature from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and his expertise lies in creating vivid characters and immersive worlds that resonate with readers. His work has been celebrated for its originality and emotional depth, earning him a loyal following among those who appreciate authentic and engaging storytelling.
Dedicated to bringing stories to life, Ryan enjoys exploring themes that reflect the human experience, always striving to leave readers with something to ponder.