Bye, My Greedy Short Time Husband

“You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Sheila stirred the pot of stew, the wooden spoon trembling slightly in her hand. The faint laughter coming from the living room sent waves of anger and humiliation through her. She gritted her teeth, determined to ignore it, but Elena’s giggle cut through her like glass. Sheila turned off the stove and stared at her reflection in the window above the sink. Her face was pale, her eyes dull from months of sleepless nights. The woman looking back at her wasn’t anyone she recognized anymore. She used to be confident, full of dreams about love, family, and Jacob. “Do you need help, Sheila?” Jacob’s voice called from the living room, but the mockery in his tone couldn’t be missed. “No, I’ve got it,” she replied, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. She picked up the tray with shaking hands, balancing the steaming bowls of stew, and walked toward the source of her pain. As Sheila entered the living room, her eyes darted to the couch where Jacob sat with Elena. The sight nearly knocked the air from her lungs. Jacob’s arm rested casually around Elena’s shoulders, his fingers lazily tracing circles on her skin. Elena, smug and glowing in a tight red dress that showed off her baby bump, leaned into him like she belonged there. The tray wobbled slightly in Sheila’s hands, but she managed to steady it and set it down on the coffee table. “Dinner’s ready,” she said quietly, keeping her eyes down. “Ah, perfect timing,” Jacob said, not even bothering to glance her way as he reached for a bowl. Elena smiled sweetly at Sheila, though the malice behind it wasn’t even hidden. “You’re such a good hostess, Sheila. Must be hard for you to watch me give Jacob what you couldn’t.” Sheila’s heart twisted, but she forced herself to stay still. “I hope you enjoy the meal,” she said, her voice empty. She had endured this. Three months of serving her husband and his mistress. She had taken it, swallowed it, but now she knew she’d reached her limit. As she turned to leave, Jacob’s voice stopped her. “Wait, Sheila,” he said, casual as ever. “Why don’t you sit with us for a bit?” She froze, her back to them, her nails pressing into her palms. “I still have things to finish in the kitchen.” “Come now,” Jacob pressed. “Elena’s right. You should join us. After all, this is your home too… for now.” For now? she thought bitterly. He’s really trying to chase me out of my own home. She looked up, her chest tightening. “I still have a lot to do. I can’t sit now.” Her words carried everything she didn’t want to show—anger, humiliation, pain. Day after day, she had given him chances to change, but deep down, she knew he never would. She turned again to leave, but Jacob’s next words made her stop mid-step. “Sit, Sheila.” He ordered, his tone cool and final. “I have something to tell you. So sit.” Sheila turned, pulled the chair back, and sat. “Go on.” Jacob leaned back, his fingers locking behind his head. “You know, Elena and I were talking earlier. We think it’s time we made things official.” Sheila’s head snapped up, her eyes meeting his for the first time in weeks. “Official?” “We’re getting married,” Jacob said bluntly, his eyes flat, like a stranger’s. “There’s no point in dragging this out any longer. You and I both know this marriage is over.” Sheila felt the words like a slap, but she refused to let him see her break. “I see,” she said, calm on the outside. He wants to play this game. The one I dreaded. She sucked in a shaky breath, forcing herself to let go of the sting. Fine. Let’s see who falls first. “You’re taking this surprisingly well,” Elena chimed in, pretending to sound surprised. “I expected tears, maybe a little begging. But I suppose you’ve always known your place, haven’t you?” Sheila’s nails dug deeper into her palms, but she kept her face unreadable. “Congratulations,” she said, her voice steady. “I hope you both find the happiness you’re looking for.” Elena laughed, high and mean. “Oh, we will. Especially now that Jacob’s going to be a father. Something you could never give him.” The words knocked the air right out of her chest. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said, her throat tightening. “I have things to do.” She didn’t wait for their response. She fled to the bedroom, locking the door behind her. The moment she was alone, the tears came hard and fast. She sank to the floor, her back pressed to the door, her hands covering her face as sobs broke free. How did it come to this? She had given Jacob everything—her love, her support, her loyalty, her money! And in return, he had given her nothing but humiliation. His family’s cruel words echoed in her mind, every one of them cutting deeper than the last. “Barren.” “Shapeless.” “Shameless.” “Incomplete.” They’d called her every name under the sun. Each one a reminder of her supposed failure. And now, Jacob had added his cruelty to the list. He had paraded Elena in front of her like a prize, flaunting her pregnancy as if it were something to brag about. They’d been together five years. Five wasted years. Sheila’s sobs eventually slowed, but the ache didn’t fade. She wiped her face and stood, walking to the vanity where a framed photo of her and Jacob sat. She picked it up, her fingers brushing over the glass. It was from their wedding day. She looked at her younger self, glowing in her white dress, eyes full of hope. She barely recognized that woman anymore. With a sudden, violent anger, Sheila hurled the photo across the room. It shattered against the wall, glass scattering everywhere. “No more,” she whispered to herself, her hands shaking. “I’ve had enough. I’ve really had enough.” Sheila knew she couldn’t stay here, couldn’t keep letting them humiliate her like this. But she wasn’t about to leave empty-handed. Jacob had stolen everything but her pride, and her money. Grabbing her phone, she dialed a number. The person picked up on the first ring. “Mrs. Winfrey.” A man’s voice came through the line, respectful, ready for instructions. “Andrew, I need every single piece of paperwork from my company sent to me by email. And get the boards ready for a private meeting. Jacob must not know.” I wiped my face, steadying my breath. “Yes, ma’am.” He answered, and I ended the call. It’s time to get me back on the path I've strayed past.