During spring break, my husband, our son, and I went shopping. My son, Tyler, fixated on a game console. When I said no, he started screaming at me right there in the mall. "Monkey! Why won't you buy it for me? I want it! If you don't buy it, I'll hit you!" He lunged at me, punching and kicking. This wasn't the first time. My husband, Dave, looked at me with pure disgust. "Let's go. Stop embarrassing us." I looked at my son coldly. "From now on, I'm not your mom. If you want something, ask your new mom." I turned and walked away, leaving Tyler screaming in the middle of the mall. I quit. 1 Walking home alone, I realized I wasn't even sad anymore. Countless hurts had left me numb. For years, I gave up a career I loved to raise a son and a daughter. But all they did was resent me. My son, Tyler, is only in elementary school, but he's obsessed with video games and junk food. When I say no, he acts like I'm a monster. He has zero respect for me, hits me when he's mad, and calls me "Monkey" in public. My daughter, Chloe, is just as bad. Since starting middle school, she's become rebellious, obsessed with dating some blue-haired delinquent. I tried to guide her, but she sees me as the enemy of her true love. This is all thanks to their father—a misogynist who loves playing the "cool dad." He constantly brags about his achievements while belittling mine in front of the kids. "Daddy works so hard to make money. Mommy has it easy; she doesn't do anything." "Housework and kids are women's work. I'm a man; I do big things." "I make four grand a month! Do you know how hard that is? I don't have time for your nagging." Every time I discipline the kids, he swoops in like a hero, badmouths me with them, and buys them junk food to make them happy. I'm the villain. He's the saint. No wonder the kids hate me. Was I wrong? Maybe. Wrong for choosing this husband. Wrong for birthing two ungrateful tumors. I opened the door to see Chloe already home, dressed like a wannabe gangster, sitting at the table. She rolled her eyes. "Hey, I'm broke. Give me some cash." I ignored her and walked to my room. She followed, leaning against the doorframe, shaking her leg. "Hey, I'm talking to you. Give me money. I need to go out!" I was so disappointed in this girl who only cared about hanging out with her blue-haired boyfriend. I hung up my new clothes. "No money. Ask your wonderful father." Chloe snapped, slapping my clothes away. "What do you mean no money? You have money to buy clothes but not for me?" She reached for my phone, cursing. "Stupid bitch, why is it so hard to get money from you?" I pushed her away, disgusted. "Get out. Go ask your little boyfriend to support you!" "Fine! I knew you were trying to break us up! Tyler was right, you are just a brainless monkey!" Slap. I hit her across the face. "Watch your mouth. Since this is my last day as your mother, let me teach you how to speak like a human!" Slap. I hit her other cheek. I used to be too soft to discipline her. Now, I was completing her education. Just then, the lock clicked. Dave and Tyler were home. Hearing Chloe's screams, they rushed over. Tyler charged at me, fists flying. "Stupid Monkey! Let go of my sister!" I backhanded him across the face. His cheek swelled instantly. "Listen here, you little brat. Call me 'Monkey' again, and I'll slap you until your mouth rots!" Tyler wasn't used to this. He screamed like a banshee and tried to hit me again. I grabbed his arm and kicked his butt and thighs. I used to hold back. Now that he wasn't my son anymore, I hit him as much as I wanted! Dave finally stepped in, shielding the kids. "Jane! Enough! It's just a nickname, is it necessary?" I laughed. "Dave, it's about respect! They turned out like this because of you! If you think it's no big deal, how about I call you 'Pig' from now on?" Dave was furious. How could anyone talk to a "big man" like him that way? "Jane, are you done making a scene? Fighting with kids, what kind of mother are you! Earlier at the mall, Tyler just wanted a game console. You should have just bought it. Making a scene in public... I'm embarrassed for Tyler having a mom like you!" "Yeah, so embarrassing! You don't deserve to be my mom if you don't buy me stuff!" Tyler chimed in. It was always like this. They ganged up on me until I caved. They spent my savings, but Tyler thought it was Dave's money. He hated me and loved Dave more. But I wasn't their mom anymore. I wasn't compromising. "Tyler, ask your dad. Isn't he the best? He'll buy it for you. I told you at the mall, I'm not your mom anymore. Go ask him!" "And Chloe, you want money? Ask your dad. He'll give it to you. Hurry up, grab the cash and go find Blue Hair." The kids looked at Dave with expectant eyes. "Dad, you're different from that old hag, right?" Dave looked awkward. He hated spending money on the kids, but he didn't want to ruin his "cool dad" image. "Tyler, don't worry. I'll buy it for you. But Daddy is a little tight this month. How about... when I get paid next month?" Dave was the king of empty promises. Only an idiot like Tyler would believe him. "See? Stupid woman! Dad will buy it for me. You're nothing compared to Dad!" Chloe held out her hand. "Dad, I don't need much. Just five hundred." Dave acted pained, pulling out two crumpled twenties. "Chloe, Daddy won't stop you like your mom. But I only have forty on me. Take this for now." Chloe looked grateful. "Thanks, Dad! You're the best. Unlike her, hoarding money. Dad, I'm leaving, Blue Hair is waiting!" She ran out. Dave coaxed Tyler back to his room, then stormed back to confront me. "Jane, I work my ass off to support this family! You sit at home enjoying life and can't even manage two kids? What good are you?" I scoffed. "You support us? You haven't brought a dime home in years. We've been living off my savings! Where do you get the nerve to lecture me?" Dave puffed up his chest. "Being a supportive wife is your duty! Raising kids is your job! Paying for things is what you're supposed to do!" I truly didn't understand how his brain was wired. "Duty my ass. Go look in a mirror. I'm saying this for the last time: I quit being a mom. I'm done with those two. I'm not spending another cent. You handle it!" I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. "If you don't handle it, who will?!" Dave roared. "Their wonderful father, obviously." 2 Outside, I dialed a number I hadn't called in years. After a short ring, it connected. "Jane? Finally calling me? You heartless woman, did you forget your best friend?" Hearing Sarah's voice, I finally felt safe. I started crying. "Hey, hey, why are you crying? I'm not blaming you! Did that dog Dave upset you? I told you he was trash!" I sobbed, "Sarah, I regret everything..." "Okay, okay, stop crying. Come to the dance studio. Same place!" When I arrived, Sarah was waiting. She saw my haggard face and said nothing, just led me to her office. "Jane, you used to be so radiant. That guy... he destroyed you. It hurts just looking at you!" I smiled bitterly and told her everything. Sarah was furious. "How did you put up with that for so long?! Ungrateful wolves! I would have torn them apart! Jane, what do you want to do now?" "I want to start over. I want to make them regret everything." "That's my Jane! But the industry changes fast. Even though you were in the National Troupe, you haven't danced in years. You need to catch up on trends. Can you start as a regular instructor?" I agreed instantly. I was just grateful for the chance. I knew I could be the best. Sarah was happy. "Let's go shopping! New makeup for your new life! You need to look gorgeous as a dance teacher!" By the time we finished shopping, it was evening. With Sarah, I felt like my old sparkling self again. I stayed at Sarah's that night. My phone rang non-stop. All Dave. When I finally answered, he started screaming. "Jane, where the hell are you? No dinner, house is a mess! I come home from work to a cold kitchen! Get back here and cook!" I fired back, "Are your hands broken? Or are you paralyzed? Waiting for me to serve you? Cook yourself or starve! Don't bother me!" "Jane, did you take the wrong meds? Fine, you don't care about me, what about the kids?!" "Yeah, I took the wrong meds years ago when I decided to serve you like a maid. Are they hungry? Not my problem! I'm not hungry!" I hung up before he could respond. Sarah gave me a thumbs up. "That's the spirit! No more taking crap!" Until bedtime, Sarah updated me on the dance world and sent me videos to study. She promised to start recruiting students for me tomorrow. For the next few days, I practiced from dawn to dusk. The familiar feeling returned. Sarah said I could start teaching next week. I was thrilled. I told Sarah I was going back that night. "Jane, you're not going back to be a maid, are you?!" she asked, shocked. I laughed. "No way! I just want to see how those dogs are living." I went back right before dinner. The house smelled awful. Leftover takeout everywhere, overflowing trash cans, sour stench. Dirty laundry piled high, socks on the sofa. Hearing the door, Tyler and Chloe came out, thinking it was Dave. "Dad, what's for dinner?" Seeing me, their faces fell. "Stupid woman, you finally came back! Look at this mess! Clean it up and cook! I'm starving!" "Wait until Dad gets home, he's gonna kill you!" Just like Dave. Disgusting. I pushed Tyler aside, sat at the table, and opened a large container of spicy crayfish I bought for myself. "If you're starving, cook. If you can't cook, you aren't hungry enough." Chloe sat next to me, reaching for a crayfish. I slapped her hand. "Hey! What are you doing?" "Eating! What does it look like?!" "Stealing my shrimp! Buy your own! Can't afford it? Then watch! Don't touch with your dirty paws!" Tyler tried to sweet-talk me. "Mommy, give me a bite? You know I love shrimp." "Hey, I'm not your mom. Don't call me that. You don't deserve these shrimp. You can suck on the shells." Tyler saw flattery wasn't working and tried to hit me. "Stupid Monkey! Give it to me or I'll beat you!" I backhanded him to the floor. "I told you. Call me Monkey, get slapped. Why use your mouth to bark like a dog?" Tyler screamed. "Ahh! You hit me! I'll kick you to death! Die! Die!" Chloe yelled too. "Crazy bitch! You starve us and eat alone?!" She tried to flip the bowl. I held it down. Then I grabbed the other takeout containers on the table—their old leftovers—and dumped them on her head. "No manners! You want to eat? Eat this!" "And you, Tyler. Have a feast!" I threw the leftover soup and rice on his face. They shrieked like kettles boiling over. I took a video and sent it to Sarah: [This is what happens when you mess with me.] Sarah replied: [Queen!] I ignored their crying, ate my crayfish, and watched a show on my phone. By the time I finished, Dave still wasn't home. I went to pack some clothes. While packing my skincare, I noticed something wrong. My expensive face masks were missing. I thought Chloe took them, but then I found a press-on nail in the drawer. I never wear those. Dave found a new mom for the kids. Good. Evidence of infidelity would be useful for the divorce. I packed quietly. Just as I was leaving, the door opened. Dave was back, holding a bowl of cheap spicy soup. Feeding the kids slop while he probably ate a feast with his mistress. Seeing me, he assumed I was back to beg forgiveness. He put on his arrogant face. "Couldn't make it out there, huh? A woman with no skills can only starve. How would you live without me?" Ridiculous. I laughed. "Is your brain broken or did you gargle with sewage? Why does your mouth smell like sh*t? Rely on you? And eat spicy soup? No thanks." Dave sneered. "Keep talking tough. If I'm wrong, why are you back? Whatever, I'll save you some face. Since you're back, clean this place up. Look at this mess." He looked me up and down. "Yellow-faced woman wearing a dress? Go change. How can you clean in a dress?" He threw his jacket on the sofa and marched toward the bedroom like a king. "Okay. Let me show you how I clean in a dress." I grabbed the bowl of spicy crayfish soup and dumped it over his head. "Here's a tip. Crayfish soup. Oops, look at you, eating so fast you got it everywhere. Let me help you wipe it." I grabbed a filthy rag from the table and smeared it over his face. Dave shoved me away, roaring. "Jane! Are you crazy?! You dumped soup on me?! You want to die?!" Tyler and Chloe ran out, looking like two sad piles of garbage. Tyler hugged Dave and cried. "Dad! That crazy woman bullied us! She threw leftovers on me! Kill her, Dad!" Chloe joined in. "Yeah, Dad, beat her! Blue Hair says disobedient women need a beating. Don't lose face!" Brainwashed beyond repair. Dave was riled up. "Okay! Daddy will teach this bitch a lesson for you!" He raised his hand to hit me. Just as he thought! Before he could strike, I messed up my hair and clothes, ran out the door, and collapsed on the ground, screaming. "Help! Domestic violence! Dave is beating his wife! Help!" Neighbors opened their doors. A kind old lady ran to me. "Jane, what happened? Don't cry, tell me." "Dave... he beat me! I just came home a little late and he beat me!" "I don't want to live anymore!" I had a reputation as a saint in the neighborhood. Everyone believed me and started yelling at Dave. Dave tried to defend himself. "No! She's lying! I didn't hit her! Look, she threw soup on us!" "If I didn't throw it, I wouldn't have escaped! He would have killed me! I took care of them for years and this is what I get!" The neighbors were furious. They looked ready to mob him. Dave panicked. He threw my bag out. "Jane, get out!" Slam. The neighbors comforted me. Once I "calmed down," they went home. Dave's reputation was ruined. I picked up my bag and went back to Sarah's, satisfied. 3 When I got to Sarah's, she had good news. The studio posted about my classes online, and lots of people remembered me. Many signed up. Sarah was excited. "Jane, you've still got it! You brought in so many students. Big bonus coming your way! Honestly, since you stopped playing maid, you look amazing. With a little makeup, you look just like you did back in the day." I looked in the mirror and smiled. I used to be the troupe beauty. I told Sarah about Dave's affair and asked her to investigate. I needed proof for the divorce and property division. She was on it. Two days later, Sarah got the PI report. The mistress was a new hire on Dave's team, named Vivi. Photos of them dining, kissing, entering hotels. Ironclad evidence. Living it up with his mistress while his kids ate garbage. They deserved each other. Sarah asked, "Jane, what's the plan?" I smirked. "Total destruction." That night, we prepared. Sarah printed flyers. I made posters. Tomorrow was Monday—perfect day for drama. The next morning, Sarah hired five people to hand out flyers at Dave's office. The flyers had dates, times, and pictures. The colleagues were shocked and thrilled. Nothing beats office gossip. Within an hour, everyone knew. We waited at a cafe until 5 PM. Quitting time. My turn. I wore a tight dress, heels, and sunglasses. Two bodyguards followed me. At the office entrance, the bodyguards unfurled a banner filled with intimate photos of Dave and Vivi. Large text: "CONGRATULATIONS DAVE ON YOUR NEW CONCUBINE!" I held a megaphone, looping a recording of their timeline. Colleagues leaving work stopped to watch and record. Soon, Dave and Vivi walked out, arms linked. Their smiles froze when they saw the banner. I took off my sunglasses. "Dave, long time no see. Congrats on the new lady." Dave lunged at me, but saw the phones recording. He hissed, "Jane! What are you doing? Stop embarrassing us! Let's go home!" I laughed. "Embarrassing? I don't think so. I'm not the one who should be embarrassed. Let's talk right here." Sarah walked up. "Yeah, Dave. Dare to do it, dare to own it?" Dave's face was black. "It's not what you think. Let's go home and talk." "Not what I think? Then what is it? Say it here. Nothing to hide, right? I'm sure your colleagues want to know the truth." Dave shouted, "Jane, Vivi and I are just colleagues! Nothing else! These are fake!" I pretended to believe him. "Really? Then let me check your phone." "That's my privacy! You can't!" "I'm your legal wife! But fine, don't show me. These proofs are enough." I took the divorce papers from Sarah and slapped them onto Dave's face. "Sign it. Cheating means you get less." Sarah and I walked away, leaving Dave in his humiliation. 4 The next morning, I brought movers to the house. I bought most of the furniture and appliances with my savings. I wasn't leaving them for the trash family. When I entered, Tyler, Chloe, and Dave were at the table, waiting for Vivi to make breakfast. Tyler glared. "Stupid woman, why are you here? We don't need you. We have a new mom. She's a million times better. She bought me my game console." Chloe added, "Yeah, we don't want a cheap mom. New mom supports me and Blue Hair. That's what youth is about! Unlike you, old antique." Laughable. They thought Vivi's indulgence was love. She was just raising them to be useless. Not my problem anymore. "Think what you want. Good luck with Vivi. I don't want you two idiots anyway." I directed the movers. "TV, bookshelf, computer... I bought them all. Take them." Dave slammed the table. "Who dares?! This is my house!" I shrugged. "Your house, sure. But I bought the stuff. I have receipts. Even the cops can't stop me. Guys, ignore him. Move it out. I'll pay extra." "Jane, don't go too far!" "I am going too far. What are you gonna do about it?" I walked into Chloe's room. "Take the piano too." Chloe blocked it. "My piano! You can't take it!" "I paid for it. You begged to learn, then called me a control freak for making you practice. I'm doing you a favor. You're too busy riding scooters with Blue Hair to play anyway. Don't waste my money." I pulled Chloe away. "Move it!" Chloe glared. "I hate you!" "Feeling is mutual." I walked out under their hateful gazes. "Bye bye, trash." A few days later, the court ruling came. I got 70% of the assets. Dave got 30%. The same day, Dave got fired for "misconduct affecting company image." Meanwhile, my career was booming. My rate kept going up, but students kept coming. Parents wanted me to mentor their kids for dance school. I became the star teacher. Hearing Dave lost his job, I called him to gloat. I love kicking a man when he's down. Even with little money left, Dave insisted on a lavish wedding with Vivi to save face. He sent me an invite to show off. I went. Dressed in black, looking fabulous. I gave him a thick red envelope. Dave smirked. "Regret it now? You were shortsighted." I spoke loudly. "Oh, I regret it so much! Getting most of the money... This wedding cost a lot, right? Shame you can't live the poor life anymore!" Dave huffed. "Don't be smug, Jane. I'll earn it back in no time. You'll just eat through your savings." "How? With your non-existent job? Oh, I forgot, you have no job and two kids to feed. Unlike me, making sixteen grand a month." "Don't bully the poor youth! You'll regret it!" "Sure, sure. 'Don't bully the poor middle-aged man.' I'll wait for your miracle." I left before eating. Pity I couldn't see their faces when they opened the envelope full of spirit money (hell money).
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