The Divorce Settlement Chapter 1

When I found out my husband, Ray, was cheating again, I didn't scream or cry. I just sent him a link to a real estate listing I'd been looking at.

"We should buy the kids a couple of condos here."

He got the message. "Done."

I immediately texted the real estate agent.

"I'm bringing my husband in tomorrow to pay. Yes, two units, in full."

After years of marriage, I've learned to focus my attention on only one thing: my husband's money.

He, however, is full of regrets. He wants to come back to the family, to start over with me.

Too late. His role in this house is now just an ATM.

* * *

Late one night, a woman sent me an intimate photo of herself and Ray. I didn't flinch.

This wasn't the first time.

I forwarded the photo to Ray, then sent him the brochure for the condos I'd already picked out.

"How about we buy the kids a couple of condos here? Think of it as their high school graduation present."

The development had just opened. It was in a prime location with great amenities and beautiful landscaping. I'd already taken my mom to see it twice. We both loved it. I was just trying to figure out how to get Ray to pay for it when this woman handed me the perfect opportunity on a silver platter.

A few moments later, Ray replied: "Okay."

I immediately messaged the agent.

"I'm bringing my husband over tomorrow to pay. That's right, two units, paying in full, in my daughter's and son's names."

The next morning, I was waiting at the sales office when Ray finally arrived, a glaring red mark on a conspicuous part of his neck.

"Well, well. Looks like someone had fun," I quipped.

He ignored the jab and just handed me a card.

"Couldn't I just transfer you the money? Why do I have to come down here every time?"

"Nope," I said, wagging a finger at him. "Can't do that."

"These condos are a gift to the children, part of their personal assets. It's only right that you, their father, handle the transaction. It avoids any future confusion where you might claim I embezzled our shared marital assets."

Ray rolled his eyes.

"Alright, fine. You know I'm not that kind of person."

I know he probably wouldn't go that far.

But people change. When we were first in love, I never would have imagined he would betray our marriage.

The agent we'd been in contact with greeted us with a beaming smile.

The paperwork went smoothly, without any hitches.

As we left the sales office, Ray gestured for me to get in his car.

"No thanks, I drove."

Then, after a moment's thought, I added a little piece of advice.

"You know the only thing I care about is money. Have your fun with the women on the side, but don't give them too much. If it's too much, I'll start to miss it. And if I get upset, I might just have to go ask for it back, and that would be unpleasant for everyone."

Ray let out a cold laugh. "Heh. You're so generous now. Not like you used to be."