After years trapped in a bitter marriage with Mike, whose obsession with money and status controlled everything, I made a shocking decision in our divorce: I let him have everything the house, the car, the savings. Walking out of the lawyer’s office, I wore the mask of a defeated wife, shoulders slumped under the weight of supposed loss. But inside, I was quietly thrilled. Mike thought he’d won, but he had no idea that this was exactly what I wanted.

Mike’s only goal was to win own every asset, claim every penny. I played along, letting him believe he had the upper hand. The house was too big, the life too fake, and I just wanted out. I took only a few personal items and moved to a small apartment, feeling lighter than I had in years.