Ten Years Married, I Took My Money & Divorced

Chapter 2

"Serena! How could you do this to Victor? It's not easy for a man to work hard out there!"

The next morning, before my mother could even ask me what happened, a call from my mother-in-law, Margaret Gower, came through. Without asking for my side of the story, she launched into a tirade. "What sins did the Gower family commit to end up with a spendthrift, materialistic woman like you? How can you be so ungrateful?"

I picked up the glass of milk my mother had just warmed for me and took a slow, leisurely sip.

"Margaret, he spends fifty thousand dollars on a designer bag for his lady friend but gives me a $9.9 phone mount for our anniversary. In your opinion, who is truly materialistic and ungrateful?"

Margaret choked on her words, but immediately retorted in a sharper tone, "That's different! Celeste Morrow is a good girl with family struggles. What's wrong with Victor being kind and helping her out? You two are an old married couple—why fuss over such superficial things? Marriage isn't just about gifts!"

I had listened to this god-tier logic for ten years. I used to try to reason with her, but now, I just found it laughable.

"You're right," I replied calmly. "That's why I've decided to leave him, so he'll have more money to support his 'good girl'."

"You!"

I didn't give her another chance to speak and hung up. The silence lasted less than half an hour before the family group chat exploded. Victor posted a heavily filtered, tragic-looking selfie in the group, accompanied by a long message.

Victor: Ten years of marriage, and I never once let her down. I never imagined that for money, she would drain all of our savings and run away overnight. I truly never expected the person I loved most to hurt me the most.

His ability to twist the truth was as strong as ever.

Aunt: Victor, don't be sad. A woman like that isn't worth it! She'll do anything for money!

Aunt: Exactly. Serena usually seems so grounded, but I never expected her heart to be so black! Victor, you're just too honest for your own good!

Margaret: My poor son! This life is impossible to live now! Our family has had the worst luck in eight lifetimes...

As everyone chimed in with their opinions, they condemned me in an instant. I stared at the phone screen, at those familiar profile pictures spewing such venomous words. My heart, which used to ache, now felt nothing but a cold numbness.

I silently drafted a message and then exited the group.

Serena: Wishing Victor and his lady friend a lifetime of happiness. Also, the five million dollars is from my premarital assets investments, and I have records for every transaction. If anyone continues to slander me, we will see each other in court.

With that done, I set my phone to silent. The world was finally none of my business.