** I decided to test my husband and told him: “Honey, I got fired!” — but the truth was, I’d been promoted….

But for the first time in days, the weight on my chest had eased. I wasn’t flailing in the dark anymore. I had someone in my corner.

Someone who saw the pieces clearly and knew how to play them. I went straight to the office after that. No more hiding.

I walked through the doors with my head high. Greeted my team. Sat down at my desk and opened the department dashboard like nothing had happened.

Brian thought I was unemployed. Lost. Vulnerable.

But I was back. Fully. My phone buzzed around lunch.

A text from him. Hope your interviews went well. Let me know when you’re ready to talk more about next steps.

Next steps. I almost laughed. He had no idea I’d already taken them.

I replied with a simple. Will do. That afternoon, I met with my team.

Reviewed quarterly goals. Scheduled one-on-ones. And signed off on a new client project.

I was efficient. Focused. Unshakeable.

And when I finally walked out of the building at sunset, I knew something had shifted permanently inside me. I wasn’t the same woman who cried in the hallway. Who shook in silence while her husband planned her erasure.

That woman was gone. In her place stood someone else. Someone stronger.

Sharper. Ready. He wanted me to vanish.

Quietly. But now, I was preparing to take everything back on my terms. Brian was waiting for me when I got home.

He was in the kitchen. Leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. Trying to look composed.

But the twitch in his jaw. The slight shift in his weight. Those told the real story.

He was nervous. Hey, he said. Casual.

Like we were roommates discussing groceries. You got a minute? I hung my coat. Slowly then turned to face him.

Sure. He nodded toward the living room. We sat opposite each other again.

That same setup from before. The couch. The wine.

The practiced solemnity. He hadn’t changed the scene. He thought the first performance had worked.

That I’d accepted his script. I’ve been thinking, he began. I want to finalize things soon.

The divorce. The paperwork. Get everything settled so we can both move on.

I nodded, keeping my expression soft. Okay. He blinked.

So, you agree? I’m not fighting the divorce. I said gently. But I do want to understand what’s fair.

So, I’ve spoken with someone. He froze. Someone.

A lawyer. His eyes narrowed. Why would you need a lawyer? I’m offering a generous settlement.

We can handle this ourselves. I tilted my head. You said the house was legally yours, right? It is, he said quickly…