He thought I didn’t know what was going on.
Thought his secrets were safe.
But unfortunately for Mike, I’ve long since become a master of surveillance.
And now it’s all gonna be used against him.
** First move. **
I opened my laptop to check my e-mails.
A message from my new lawyer was waiting for me.
Nicole, the paperwork’s done. All that’s left is your approval.
I nodded after reading that and sent the confirmation.
Everything was going according to plan.
The evidence I’d gathered would begin to take effect in a few days.
Financial audits, the IRS, maybe even a criminal investigation.
Not only would Mike lose everything he’d won from me, but he’d face the consequences of his actions.
And most importantly, he’ll realise he underestimated me.
** A few weeks later.**
Mike called me, which was rare.
I looked at the phone screen and grinned.
He was clearly panicked, his voice shaking.
Nicole, you have to help me!
Really? Why do I have to help you all of a sudden?
You’re the one who set this up! The audits, the frozen accounts, it’s all you!
And you thought you could keep your dirty deeds a secret?
Mike stopped talking. I could almost hear him gathering his thoughts.
You can’t do this! We were married!
I laughed.
You chose to do this, Mike. You wanted to take everything? Congratulations, you have everything now.
I hung up before he could continue.
Final.
I sat on the terrace of the small house I’d bought with my savings.
A warm breeze ruffled my hair, and the sunset painted the sky in bright colours.
This new life wasn’t as luxurious as the old one, but it belonged to me.
No pretence, no games.
I took a sip of tea and smiled, knowing that Mike was busy fighting for his survival right now.
Sometimes freedom wasn’t just the absence of chains, but the ability to make the other person realise how tightly they held them.