Chapter 1
Just after we got the divorce papers, my ex-husband Eric Johnson began spamming the family group chat with cash gifts.
He was celebrating the arrival of his mistress's baby boy, both mother and child safe and sound.
My ex-mother-in-law Linda Johnson sent ten voice messages, calling the mistress their family's savior and mocking me for taking up space.
I listened quietly, then opened my banking app.
I cut off Linda's 3,300 dollars monthly allowance and called a real estate agent to list our wedding house for sale.
The next day, Eric showed up with his whole family and invitations for the baby's first-month party, only to find movers dismantling the doors.
He was completely stunned.
*****
The red marriage certificate was swapped for a green divorce certificate.
I gripped it tightly as I walked out of the divorce office.
The sky was overcast, matching my mood perfectly.
Eric, who was my ex-husband now, stood there.
There wasn't a hint of regret on his face, only relief. "Grace Nolan, take care of yourself from now on."
I didn't even look at him, only headed straight for my car.
I slid into the driver's seat but didn't start the engine.
My phone was buzzing like crazy in my bag.
I pulled it out and saw the "Johnson Family" group chat, the one I'd already muted.
But today, it stubbornly kept flashing at the top of my screen.
I tapped in.
The screen was flooded with cash gifts.
Cash gifts.
One after another.
Eric was sending them.
Eric: [Celebrating the safe arrival of my son. Mother and child are well. Great job, hero.]
There was a picture attached.
It showed a woman lay in a hospital bed, cradling a wrinkly newborn.
It was Emily Lane who was his so-called "true love."
Below the cash gifts was a string of voice messages from Linda.
I tapped the first one and played it out loud.
Her sharp voice shattered the silence in the car.
She said, "Oh, our family's hero, Emily, you're amazing. You gave us a son.
"Now the Johnsons finally have an heir. The weight in my heart is finally gone.
"Unlike some people, who take up space and can't even lay an egg after three years of marriage.
"A useless old hen.
"Now that they're divorced, it's such a relief. The bad luck has finally left our house.
"Eric, send more cash gifts! Let everyone celebrate.
"Emily, whatever you want to eat, I'll make it for you. You're our family's treasure.
"That woman shouldn't get a single penny. The house is ours. Make sure she leaves with nothing.
"Our grandson, grandma's pride and joy.
"When the baby's first-month party comes, it has to be huge. Let everyone see we've got a new addition."
I listened quietly.
One after another.
Ten in total.
Every sentence, every word, felt like needles, digging right into me.
After the last one, I closed Whatsapp.
The car was silent again.
I stared at the steering wheel for a long time.
Then, I picked up my phone.
No anger, no tears.
My fingers were steady as ever.
I opened my banking app.
Fingerprint unlock.
Went to the page, I found the monthly auto-transfer setting.
It read: [Recipient: Linda Johnson.
[Amount: 3300 dollars.
[Note: Living expenses.]
I stared at that line.
I thought back to three years ago, when Linda first asked for this.
She said her health was bad and needed money for treatment.
Eric told me to send her 3300 dollars every month.
I did.
For three whole years.
120,000 dollars.
I found the little "terminate" button.
Clicked it.
A confirmation box popped up: [Are you sure you want to terminate this automatic transfer service?]
I hit [confirm.]
The page refreshed.
The transfer record was gone.
Wiped clean.
Then, I closed the banking app.
Then I opened my contacts and found a number.
It was Mike Lewis, the top agent.
I dialed out.
Two rings, then connected.
"Hello, Grace. What brings you to call me today? Is it a friend looking to buy a house?" Lewis sounded super enthusiastic.
"Lewis, I'm selling my own house," my voice was calm.
"Selling? Which one?"
"Riverside One, Building A, unit 1201."
Silence on the other end lasted for a full three seconds.
"Grace, you're not joking, right? That place is gorgeous, and the location's prime. Isn't it your wedding house with Eric? How can you let it go?"
"I don't care anymore.
"I want it sold now. The faster, the better. I'm selling it for five percent below market value."
Lewis sucked in a breath, "Grace, that's over a million dollars off. Are you sure?"
"I'm sure.
"I bought it outright before marriage, and the deed's only in my name.
"All procedures are complete, and you can trade at any time.
"You can list it online now and show it to buyers.
"The password for the lock is ******.
"Only one thing: cash buyers only, and I want it sold fast."
Lewis caught on immediately.
This was a big deal, and it could close fast.
"No problem at all, Grace. Leave it to me. I'll get right on it. Promise it'll be handled perfectly."
I hung up and said, "Thanks."
After finishing these two things, I started the car.
The car rolled smoothly out of the parking lot and blended into traffic.
The sky outside didn't seem so gloomy anymore.