8
698words
No more rushing home after work to cook and do chores—no more walking on eggshells around anyone.
Chris was from the South and loved spicy food.
To accommodate his taste, I endured painfully spicy meals for years throughout our marriage.
He never once considered whether I could handle it.
Now, I ate whatever I wanted—it was pure bliss.
One day, I took time off from the fire station to cash my lottery ticket and pick out a bracelet I liked.
I went to a jewelry store and asked the clerk to show me a heavyweight gold bracelet.
Just as I was about to try it on, I heard Lily's voice.
"Well, if it isn't Dispatcher Shirley! Here to buy jewelry? Your husband's been in the hospital for months, and you haven't even visited. Who are you dressing up for?"
Then Lily shook Chris's arm and pointed at me.
"Chris, I like the bracelet she's holding."
Hearing that, Chris snatched the bracelet right out of my hand.
"Why do you need a bracelet? Who are you trying to impress? That freeloader Alex?"
I didn't care about the bracelet and ignored them both, turning back to the clerk.
"The second one on the right, please."
The clerk took it out and handed it to me. I tried it on.
"Hmm... not bad. I'll take this one. Please wrap it up."
After paying, I walked up to Chris. "We're not divorced yet! Keep it low-key."
Then I turned to Lily, reached out, and patted her right cheek.
I lifted the necklace around her neck. "How much did this cost?"
Lily looked stunned, then swatted my hand away. "$3,000. Why?"
"Who bought it for you?" I asked.
Lily answered proudly, "Chris did!"
I tugged at her collar. "And this shirt?"
Maybe feeling offended, she broke free angrily.
"None of your business! It's not your money!"
I grabbed her collar again impatiently.
"Just answer the question—how much?"
Maybe intimidated, Lily stammered, "E-eight hundred. So what?"
"Who bought it?" I glared.
"Chris did!" She puffed out her chest and glanced at him.
Before Chris could speak, I poked Lily's forehead hard.
"Look in the mirror—since you started seeing my husband, what exactly have you been missing?"
I patted her cheek a couple of times as I spoke.
I thought Lily would explode, but to my shock, she said,
"I still need a car…" She even shyly twisted her fingers.
I couldn't help but laugh. She was so adaptable—I almost felt bad for holding a grudge.
After a moment's thought, I said grandly, "I'll get you one!"
Lily was startled, hardly believing me. "R-really? Shirley, um, what do you think—would a Jeep Wrangler suit me?"
I burst out laughing. "A Jeep? You look more like a tank."
I took a deep breath, recomposing myself.
"Fine! I'll get you a damn G-Class, how about that?" I couldn't hold back a laugh, then turned to Chris.
"You heard her—get her the G-Class. Take Lily to the dealership tomorrow. She's taken care of you for months—it's the least you can do."
Chris looked bewildered, glancing between Lily and me.
"How can I afford that? I need my money!"
"I've been busy lately. Once things settle, we'll finalize the divorce, and you'll get half the assets."
I pointed at Lily and continued,
"The money's yours anyway—it's not going anywhere. She's liked you for years."
"Don't shortchange her. Put down what you can, and if it's not enough, I'll advance you 30K.Gotothedealershiptomorrow,makeadownpayment,andgetthecar.The30K can come from your share later."
"Just make sure you two are happy together."
Chris was totally confused, not buying a word of it.
"Yeah right—since when are you so generous? After all these years of pinching pennies?"
I snorted. "Believe what you want. If it weren't for our history since college and working together, I wouldn't bother."
"Up to you—if you want the car, I'll transfer the money tomorrow. If not, forget I said anything."
I turned to leave, but Chris quickly grabbed my arm.
"Fine! We'll go tomorrow! Don't you dare go back on your word!"
"Suit yourself." I didn't want to engage further and walked away.
