“Bastard!” the little devil in my belly cursed. “Mom, ignore him. That idiot doesn’t know the mistress’s baby isn’t his; it’s the fitness instructor’s!”
I almost laughed out loud. I quickly lowered my head and covered my face, my shoulders shaking. To Scott, it looked like I was sobbing.
“Fine. I’ll sign.” I looked up, tears streaking my face but resolve in my eyes. “But I have one condition.”
Scott frowned and looked at me warily. “You want money? Let me tell you, the company has no cash right now. I’m deep in debt.”
“I don’t want money,” I cut in sadly. “I just want my clothes and personal things. I want nothing from this house, only to cut all ties with you.”
Scott was stunned, clearly not expecting me to agree so easily. A flash of joy crossed his eyes before he hid it.
“Fine. You know what’s best for you. Pack your things and leave tonight. We’ll go to the City Hall first thing tomorrow.”
He turned and left, as if even looking at me was bad luck. As soon as the door closed, I wiped away my tears and pulled the suitcase out from under the bed.
I stuffed the suitcase with old clothes and cheap toiletries, then pushed it, ready to leave at once.
Scott was on the sofa video-chatting with Barbara, speaking in a tone I hadn’t heard in years. When he saw me, he stood and walked over. “Wait. Open it. Let me check, don’t take anything you shouldn’t.”
My heart leapt into my throat. I even wondered if I should knock him out and run. But when Scott saw the clothes, he only curled his lip in disdain.
“You’re taking this trash? Aren’t you going to check again? Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance later.”
I gave a pitiful smile. “No need. Everything here is filthy.”
Scott’s face darkened. “Get out!”
I pushed my heavy suitcase out of the place I once called home. Once outside the complex, I hailed a taxi and went straight to a five-star hotel downtown.
“Mom, great job! That scumbag is probably still dreaming about his money. His face will be priceless when he checks the ceiling. But we need to move fast. After the divorce tomorrow, we’ll buy the lottery ticket. The $11 million jackpot is ours!”
I sat in the back seat, watching the scenery fly past the window. The anger I’d held in for so long finally eased.
Scott, you thought you’d dumped a worn-out wife. You had no idea you’d just sent away a money magnet.