Chapter 2
"William," I said calmly, my voice icy and devoid of any warmth. "I guess you're right. I was being selfish."
William sounded surprised on the other end, probably not expecting me to give in so quickly. His tone softened, laced with a condescending kindness. "Mia, I'm glad you understand. I always knew you were good at heart.
"Don't worry, if the money's gone, we'll earn more. Sorry you had to go through this."
"It's fine." I glanced at my empty bank account. The last warmth in my eyes died, leaving only cold rage. "If we're playing the saints, then we're all in. Don't worry, I'll handle it."
After hanging up, I didn't cry or break down. I calmly walked into the living room and took in the home I'd lovingly created myself.
On the wall was a sweet photo from our wedding day. William was grinning, his eyes overflowing with love for me.
Once, "I love you" was all he had to say to me. But now, his love was so cheap he could hand it out to any stray with a sob story.
Alright then. If he wanted to play the saint and save everyone, I would make sure he got exactly what he deserved.
I opened my phone and fired up OfferUp. I snapped a few photos, set my location to our address, and started listing.
First item: a nearly new 75-inch Sony 4K Smart TV. Originally 4 thousand, now 1 thousand. Local pickup only.
Second item: William's entire collection of limited-edition sneakers, including Air Jordans and Yeezys. There were over twenty pairs. All for 2 thousand. Serious buyers only.
Third item: the vintage cherry wood home office set. Bought for over 20 thousand, now selling for 5 thousand.
Fourth item: William's BMW 5 Series, less than three years old. Its market value was 120 thousand, but I was listing it for 90 thousand. Urgent sale.
I listed every single thing William prized, one by one, at rock-bottom prices, just to twist the knife.
But even after all that, it still wasn't enough for me.
I walked into our bedroom, pulled open the nightstand drawer, and reached down to the very bottom for a small box.
Inside, three things lay side by side: our property deed, a 70-thousand debit card my mom left me for emergencies, and William's parents' bank card, with over 100 thousand of their retirement fund.
They'd given me this card two years ago, telling me they didn't trust their son with money. Too reckless, always had been. They felt safer with me keeping it safe.
How ironic.
I stared at the bank card, my expression growing colder by the second.
Since William loved acting the generous man with other people's money, let me give him the stage.
I picked up my phone and took a picture of the house deed and the pension card.
Then I called up a friend who specialized in quick sales and distressed assets. "Hey, Jason? It's Mia. I've got a house I need to sell fast. Price is negotiable.
"Yeah, the one we're living in. And there's a CD worth over 100 thousand; I'm willing to let it go at a discount. Can you help me out?"
If I were going to do this, I was going big. If we were going to be this generous, then let's go bankrupt together.
*****
My phone was pinging nonstop, the notifications popping like crazy.
[Your listing for the nearly new Sony TV just sold.]
[Buyer "Sneaker Fiend" wants to chat about your Air Jordan bundle.]
[New offer on your urgent BMW 5 Series sale.]
In less than an hour, everything William used to treasure was picked clean by a swarm of deal-chasers.
I sat on the couch, staring at the bare wall where the TV hung. There wasn't a single ripple of emotion in my chest, only a cold, grim satisfaction.
That afternoon, a few burly guys rolled up and, with practiced efficiency, disassembled and hauled away the vintage cherry wood home office set. The once-stately space was left gutted, nothing but bare walls.
By evening, a middle-aged guy with a gold chain came with a mechanic in tow. After checking the car, he wired me 90 thousand on the spot. No questions asked.
I handed over the keys and all the paperwork, watching as the BMW, loaded with memories, rolled out of the driveway. I didn't even flinch. There wasn't a trace of emotion on my face.
In one day, I'd already pulled in over 100 thousand.
I transferred the money to the debit card my mom left me, then calmly packed a few clothes into a suitcase. This so-called home held nothing worth staying for.