He said my BFF divorcing her cheating husband was stupid—so I decided to make him single too

Aunt Esther please you have to come talk to my mom the call came just as I was reaching for my coffee I turned off the stove where I was about to warm some milk and rushed out the door heart pounding straight to Diana's house Timothy her son practically flew to the door when he saw me grabbing my hand like a Lifeline you're the only one she really listens to you two are so close please talk to her everything was fine And now all of a sudden she wants to divorce my dad I don't get it

did she tell you why I asked frowning no all she said was she's had enough but after all these years what's the point why now before I could even step inside I heard Tomas yelling from the living room I swear you're just having a damn midlife crisis I made one comment about your food being too salty and now you want a divorce this is insane toas for God's sake could you not I called out as I Walked in my tone sharper than I intended there was Diana my friend of nearly 30 years sitting on the

couch arms crossed eyes cold and Silent not a single word from her Tomas turned to me throwing his hands in the air perfect timing iser maybe you can tell me if I'm out of line here all I said was that after all these years she still hasn't figured out how to season a dish properly that's it and suddenly she's storming off like I insulted royalty What she's too precious to hear a single complaint now and ever since she retired she's been on this mood swing roller coaster nothing's ever good enough he's always out yoga dance

classes who knows what else barely home and I never said a word but now she's just plain impossible enough I cut him off turning to Diana what's going on she finally spoke her voice low but unwavering don't try to talk me out of it Esther I've made up my mind I'm leaving him Tomas started to Snap back again but I quickly stepped between them and pushed him gently toward the door go cool off for a minute let me talk to her alone the door closed behind him with a heavy thud and the second it did

Diana's tears tears she'd clearly been holding back finally started to fall I pulled a tissue from the box and handed it to her what happened Diana how did it get to this point she wiped her eyes but her voice was steady I just don't want to do this Anymore Esther I sighed but after all these years you have been through this was supposed to be the time to finally enjoy life she shook her head slowly do you remember when he secretly bought a house and a car for his ex-girlfriend that betrayal I never really got

over it it's been a thorn in my side for years back then I stayed because Timothy was still a kid later when his parents got old I stayed to take care of them I told myself it wasn't worth the fight life Was busy raising a child working full-time and the years just passed her voice turned even more resolute but now Timothy's grown we're getting older and I'm still the one keeping this house together the moment I try to have a little space pursue a hobby enjoy anything for myself he mocks it belittles me I've been

swallowing my pride for decades and I'm done I leaned back exhaling heavily that was a long time ago you forgave him then why drag It all up now because I never really forgave him I just buried it to survive why should I keep sacrificing my peace for a man who never once cared to understand me she looked up at me then and the tears were gone replaced by a quiet unshakable strength at our age Esther you start to realize some wounds never really heal and maybe the only way to find peace is to walk away

from the person who caused them I stared at her stunned not by what she said but by how Deeply I understood it her words echoed something i' buried long ago in the quiet corners of my own heart something I'd never dared to say out loud after I got back from Diana's house I felt Hollow like something inside me had come undone the truth is George had also betrayed me once back when we were younger it happened the year his mother was hospitalized he was in the middle of a critical promotion review at work so I

tried to shoulder everything for him to Ease his burden I'd get up at dawn juggle my full-time job make breakfast and dinner for our son and still find time to visit his mother at the hospital every day but while I was running myself ragged barely sleeping more than a few hours each night George made a single visit to the hospital and that was all it took for him to get involved with Bianca a young nurse assigned to his mother's room he told me he didn't want to disturb my rest said he'd stay at the Office

for a few nights I thought he was being considerate but the truth was he wasn't sleeping at the office he was at Bianca's place I didn't find out until a year later when Bianca showed up pregnant and demanding answers only then did George finally get down on his knees slap himself across the face and beg for forgiveness he said it had meant nothing that it was just a mistake something he never thought would go this far though was only a month away from starting Middle School I was Furious blindingly so but I swallowed my rage

for the sake of our son later when George began ignoring Bianca she tried to force his hand she showed up at his office threatening to expose everything unless he divorced me on her way there she got into a car accident she wasn't serious iously injured but she lost the baby once she was discharged she came to me calm deliberate calculating either I stepped aside and let her marry George She said or I paid her for the emotional damage she'd suffered I couldn't risk her making another scene I couldn't let Bill find out not when it

would shatter his image of his father or distract him from school so I wrote her a check for $100,000 and told her to leave that's how the whole mess was finally buried years passed everyone else assumed I'd moved on that it was water under the bridge but how could it be that wound never healed it's always been there Lodged deep in my heart like a splinter I learned to live with but never forgot and somehow seeing what happened at Diana's house today it brought it all back it reminded me that maybe it's time I stopped

pretending everything was fine maybe it's time I finally took a hard look at the marriage I've been holding together all these years I walked into the house still feeling unsettled my thoughts Tangled and heavy bill and his wife Martha were sitting on The couch he was typing away on his laptop and she was scrolling through her phone hey you're back Martha looked up with a cheerful smile mom I've got a nail appointment with a friend later could you feed Tony his bottle for me while I'm out sure I replied absently sinking into the armchair without

another word is everything okay Martha picked up on my mood right away I went to see Diana today oh were you two heading to yoga together she asked Casually if you're planning to start yoga again will you still have time to help with Tony no shek getting a divorce Bill paused mid typing glancing up with a furrowed brow what Diana's getting divorced come on that doesn't make any sense at her age does she even know what life out there looks like I stayed quiet for a moment studying bill then I asked do you remember the

year you were about to start Middle School that nurse who used to come by looking for your dad Bill blinked then chuckled Oh you mean Bianca yeah sure she used to always bring me chocolate she was your dad's mistress the room went dead silent I figured it was time he finally knew the truth but Bill just looked down at his phone again nonchalant mom I already knew you knew my heart dropped since when a few years ago not long after I started working I saw Dad bringing fruit to her one day I recognized her immediately

and asked him about it What did he say he didn't lie he told me everything that he'd screwed up back then but later helped her out with a job transfer or something because well you know because she couldn't have kids anymore after the accident he said he just felt sorry for her said she had no one but you you've got a family you've got us isn't that happiness enough what did you just say I stared at him stunned your father's still in touch with her bill Hesitated he helped her to get a new job even

I shot to my feet when did this happen I don't know it's not like I arranged it I'm just telling you what he said what else did your father tell you nothing really just that she's had a rough life and sometimes he helps out when he can said it was just being kind being kind I let out a bitter laugh was sleeping with her part of his charitable work too your father's a real Saint isn't he Bill frowned mom come on don't Make it sound worse than it is is I just don't think it's worth

making a big deal out of this it's all in the past what could dad possibly do now he's old I'm sure it's just him trying to help her out nothing more and where do you think that money comes from the money he uses to help her isn't that part of our joint assets geez Mom it's not like it's a lot of money he muttered under his breath just then George walked in ug what a lousy day for fishing he groaned rubbing His lower back barely caught anything sir is dinner ready yet it's late what have

you been doing just sitting here Bill frantically gestured to him trying to Signal something with his eyes but George didn't notice he was completely oblivious to the tension in the room I'm talking to you where's dinner did you go out chatting with Diana again can you please take care of things at home before running off to socialize I ignored him and asked flatly when did You arrange Bianca's job transfer George froze mid-step what why are you bringing her up out of nowhere he kicked off his shoes and tried to brush me off with a laugh

I'm asking you when exactly did you help her get that transfer he glanced at Bill who instantly ducked his head behind his laptop Esther can we please not do this again George snapped it's been years how many times are we going to go over this F I was wrong I'm the scum of the earth What do you want me to do jump off a building to atone for it why are you making this a scene I haven't done anything to you I walk in and you're already giving me attitude stop dodging the question when did

you help her transer jobs I said nothing more just stared at him with unwavering intensity finally realizing I wouldn't back down George sighed in defeat yeah fine I helped Bianca get a transfer she's had health issues ever since that accident Couldn't work night shifts anymore I felt responsible I just wanted to do something so she'd stop showing up I let out a cold laugh stop showing up or was it you who couldn't let go a job transfer wasn't enough still playing the night in shining armor huh what else little care packages surprise visits spare cash

oh come on it's just stuff you wouldn't even care about junk really things you'd probably toss anyway why are you clinging to the Past like this I Swear I only helped her get that one transfer back in the year of 2006 that's it nothing since then year 2006 I repeated stunned June he said nothing that silence was all the answer I needed that year I pushed myself so hard that I ended up sick the doctor told me my immune system was too weak and suggested I start taking vitamins and collagen supplements regularly to rebuild my

health I still remember standing at the health aisle staring at those bottles of Organic supplements for the longest time wanting to buy them but hesitating they were just too expensive but just a few days later I noticed that our bank account was suddenly missing $5,000 when I asked George about it he said there had been some reshuffling at work and he needed to host dinners and buy gifts to maintain his Network and keep his position secure so what you really mean is you spent that money on Bianca under the guise of networking oh Come on

that was ages ago and what gave you the right George I grabbed the mug on the table and hurled it at him what gave you the right to use our money behind my back to spend on another woman what the hell is wrong with you George jumped to his feet it was years ago you didn't know about it then and nothing happened to you why the hell are you blowing up about it now what's going on Martha walked out from the bedroom makeup freshly done my mom found out About Bianca Bill muttered under his breath

why would you even tell her Martha whispered back clearly irritated but I heard every word so you knew too I turned to her voice low but sharp so everyone knew and I was just the fool in the dark you all still see me as part of this family we just didn't want to upset you I mean come on if I'd known you'd react like this I wouldn't have said anything Bill mumbled I just didn't think you'd still care so much after all This time oh I care too much that's my fault now I stood up

straight my voice cold and clear then maybe I do care too much maybe I'm Petty but I'm also done pretending wait mom you're not thinking about getting a divorce too are you like Diana I am Bill stared at me in disbelief like he was seeing me for the first time in his life Martha trying to keep the peace stepped in cautiously Esther if you're hurt then talk it out with George but do you really need to go As far as divorce I've spent my entire life swallowing disappointment playing The Good Wife keeping this family running

why shouldn't I want a life of my own now and George standing there completely blind to his own guilt would never understand to him I was just being unreasonable there's nothing left to talk about I said calmly suppressing the last bit of bitterness rising in my throat George Knew How Deeply his affair hurt me he knew and he still kept in Touch with that woman behind my back I'm done wasting my time in a marriage built on lies I swear you've lost your mind George snapped you really think this won't make you a laughing stock

at your age I said I was sorry you said you forgave me what more do you want from me he jabed a finger at me like I was the one who' done wrong you just keep dredging up the past over and over again when does it end hey hey stop shouting Martha and Bill jumped in to separate us Each grabbing one of us by the arm Martha pulled me into the bedroom trying to calm me down Esther you've been the bigger person your whole life even when Bianca caused a scam back then you stayed quiet

you cleaned up all of George's mess and now you're dragging all of that up again wasn't all that effort wasted she gently rubbed my back as she spoke let me in Bill talk to George get him to apologize again maybe that'll help right I mean it's not like he spent much on her recently don't make yourself sick over this I'm Not Angry Anymore I said softly the fire had burned out all that was left in me now was a deep steady certainty and I don't need an apology Martha looked relieved see that's better I just

want a divorce I said from that day on George and I began living separately he stormed out in a fury shouting that from now on we'd live our own lives so I showed him the Door and made sure he didn't come back we actually had two spare condos that were being rented out though they were both a bit far from home Bill worried about his father ended up renting him a place nearby in the same neighborhood in the days that followed B tried several times to talk me out of it he even brought over a

few friends to help persuade me people who were mostly old colleagues or former neighbors they stood firmly on the outside looking in With no real grasp of my pain or the years of fatigue I'd carried all they could offer were the usual empty platitudes Esther at our age what matters most is stability if you divorce now who's going to take care of you if you get sick what about your finances single life isn't as easy as you think are you sure you're cut out for it I stood their concerns I didn't resent them for saying

it but none of them truly understood how tired I was tired Of being the family's invisible backbone tired of always putting others first tired of constantly pushing my own feelings aside just to keep the peace then just a few days later I walked into the living room and there he was again George what are you doing here I frowned his eyes widened with Defiance this is my house why shouldn't I be here I almost laughed wasn't it you George who said we'd go our separate ways you're over 50 and Still can't keep your own word

but then again when had he ever kept a promise the same man who had once knelt on the floor swearing he'd never see Bianca again now stood in front of me like nothing had happened seriously Esther you're still going on about this he snapped what is this some midlife Rebellion throwing your husband out like the younger generation what you think this makes you powerful or something no I said cooly I just don't like filth in My house his face flushed and his voice Rose several octaves clutching his chest he forced himself to calm down I

came back on my own you know that's me giving you a chance to save face don't push your luck you don't let me move back in now don't come begging me later I'm giving you dignity here I didn't even bother arguing I slowly got up and walked over to the table to pour myself a cup of tea there we go that's better he muttered old couples shouldn't hold Grudges overnight anyway hey what the hell the cup was empty now I'd thrown the cold tea straight at him George can you for once in your life actually

stick to what you say if you had the backbone to walk out why crawl back now fine fine he was livid you're unbelievable go ahead follow Diana's lead old woman trying to start fresh like some teenager see how that turns out for you too I swear the both of you are going to regret this you don't want me around no Problem I've got plenty of places to go and with that George slammed the door and walked out I figured George must have gone running to Bill to complain because that very evening I overheard Bill and

Martha talking to Diana on the phone in the living room Aunt Diana what exactly did you say to my mom the other day now she's saying she wants a divorce too come on Diana I get that you and my mom are close but your divorce is your business did you really have to drag her Into it is this some kind of contagious Trend now you know what they say better to ruin 10 businesses than to break up one marriage they had the phone on speaker and with Diana's famously booming voice I could hear every word

clearly even from behind my bedroom door Bill you're an adult Diana said bluntly and adults should understand that people have the right to make their own choices even if you're her son you can't truly feel the Pain your mother has carried and that means you don't get to dictate how she should live her life I don't believe Esther's decision to divorce came just from talking to me I'm sure she's had her reasons for a long time she's simply reached a point where she can't keep enduring it anymore you're over 30 married with a job you

don't need your mother glued to your side anymore and as far as I know the only reason Esther didn't leave your Father years ago was because of you don't you think she suffered long enough and what's so terrible about divorce anyway we're following the law doing it properly what's wrong with that after 30 some years with George how many more years is she supposed to keep sacrificing herself are you saying your mother doesn't even have the right to leave a marriage that's made her miserable there was a long pause before Bill finally responded I guess

I never Really thought about it that way I just I keep wondering if mom really goes through with this what happens to Dad that's a good question Diana snapped where was George's concern about consequences when he cheated on her or when he stayed in Conta act with Bianca all these years did he ever think about how Esther would feel back in my room I couldn't help but chuckle Diana who's been locked in debate after debate about her own divorce lately had clearly honed Her argument skills to Raaz her sharpness poor Bill didn't stand a chance

sure enough after a few more minutes both he and Martha fell quiet whether they were convinced or just gave up I wasn't sure when I stepped out bill was sitting on the couch looking completely deflated Mom I just don't get get it he muttered I don't even recognize Aunt Diana anymore She's so different I let out a cold laugh you remember when you had that high fever in High school nearly ended up with pneumonia I was away on a business trip and your father well he was probably off messing around with Bianca it was Diana

who drove you to the hospital in the middle of the night she stayed by your side the entire time until you were out of danger and now you say you don't recognize her maybe it's not Diana who's changed maybe it's you maybe you've just grown up and started forgetting how much we did for you maybe you've started Thinking our voices don't matter anymore I didn't mean it like that he sighed lowering his head I just I want you both to be okay you've been together for so long it's not easy to just let that go

I patted his shoulder gently my son tried to see this from my side if after all these decades I've still made the choice to walk away then it's not out of anger or impulse it's because I've truly thought it through I've spent my whole life doing what was best for everyone Else there were so many things I wanted to do but never could and now I just want to do one thing I want to divorce your father I didn't say anything else after that I figured I should give him time to process it on his

own later that evening I noticed Diana had sent me a message what's going on I just heard from your son you're really divorcing George too I replied I finally made up my mind you were right there's no point in suffocating myself anymore she sent Back a voice message her tone sincere and Earnest if you're truly sure then of course I won't try to talk you out of it but I have to tell you this path isn't easy I've learned that firsthand the moment you file for divorce everyone who thinks they know what's best for you

will crawl out of the woodwork I've been arguing with people non-stop I'm horse and Furious half the time I smiled typing back a reply part encouragement for her part a reminder to myself we'll Be fine once we've made up our minds no amount of noise from the sidelines can shake us it'll be a long battle Shir but if you ever need backup just say the word deal she wrote a few days later I hadn't expected Diana would actually need my help urgently that afternoon I got a frantic message from her Tomas and Timothy dragged every

relative and friend to my house it's chaos get over here now I jumped in a cab and rushed over over the front door was wide open And the house was packed with people Elders children neighbors all crowded in Diana we're only here to talk some sense into you said David to Moss's older brother at our age threatening divorce is just asking for trouble you two have been yelling about divorce so much the whole neighborhood's treating it like a comedy show David continued rumors are spreading and it's getting ugly if it were me I'd be embarrassed

his wife Laura timed in right on Q she's right Diana at this stage in life companionship is what matters most look at David and me we've had our fights and rough patches but I never once considered divorce others joined in quickly exactly Diana any problem between husband and wife can be worked through why throw everything away now just when life is supposed to get easier you may not care about your reputation but what about Timothy he's been so stressed lately can't sleep properly That's why he called us to help talk some sense into you Diana

you've always been a role model you took such good care of tomas's mother you've been a wonderful wife all us younger folks looked up to you people always said Tomas married well but if you two get divorced now who knows what gossip will fly around look what goes on between you and Tomas isn't really our business but we've known you for years we just don't want to see you make a mistake In the Heat of the Moment Diana calm and poised took a slow sip of tea as they all spoke over each other when they

finally quieted down she cleared her throat are you all finished she asked voice cool and steady good now it's my turn first when I choose to divorce is entirely my decision if you think people are age shouldn't be allowed to divorce feel free to go change the law ban divorce after 50 second Timothy is nearly 30 I raised him he has a career he's married I've done my job as a mother what happens in his life going forward is up to him my divorce won't ruin him third so what if I was a good wife

was I sold to this family just because I was good to you doesn't mean I'm obligated to be your servant until I drop dead David frowned and tried to speak again come on Diana you've misunderstood we're only trying to help oh since we're being honest I've got some helpful things to say too she said turning to Laura with a Razor sharp smile remember when David was sneaking around with that coworker took her out on dates even bought her a luxury handbag meanwhile you were still dragging around your reusable grocery bag to work Laura's face went

pale she turned her head away that was a long time ago I forgave him unlike you I don't see the point in dragging up old dirt exactly Tomas jumped in completely oblivious why bring up all this ancient nonsense really Diana raised an eyebrow Did you know David's been skimming off his paycheck for years to blow it on God knows what clubs drinks whatever he's been doing it behind your back for over a decade Laura turned sharply toward David is that true w Wait why are we suddenly talking about me David stammered I'll explain when we

get home no you'll explain right here in front of everyone Laura snapped your whole damn family is here what are you afraid of Diana please this is getting out of hand Susie David's daughter-in-law stepped forward to try to calm things down but Diana wasn't finished Susie maybe you didn't know but Jon's little story about you being his first love total lie he dated someone else for 8 years brought her home for dinner more than once Laura used to say more than once that she wished he'd dump you and go back to that girl Susie's hand

froze madir I knew something was off she shouted she turned and slapped John hard across the face Was your last trip to San Fran Isco really for work or were you seeing her it wasn't like that I swear just let me explain and I'm not good enough huh please I could do way better than you you're nothing but a grown ass man who still clings to his mommy if anyone's filing for divorce it'll be me who are you calling a mama's boy Laura exploded and just like that the room descended into chaos people shouting pointing

fingers arguments flying Secrets grudges And long buried resentment came bursting out like floodgates had opened Tomas and Timothy tried to play peacemakers but ended up getting yelled at in the crossfire the entire scene was pure Mayhem eventually the shouting wore everyone out and things began to quiet down David looking completely disheveled staggered toward the door and shouted over his shoulder I never should have gotten involved in your mess then he turned back one last time adding Bitterly but just so we're clear mom's been living at my house for a year now it's your turn to

take care of her divorce or not Diana's mother-in-law was nearly bedridden and they'd long agreed to rotate care one son per year no nursing homes take it up with your brother Diana said coldly I'm done playing nursaid I'm not married into this family anymore I have no obligation David turned to Tomas Furious dragging him out of the house to hash out when He'd take over the caregiving duties the house finally quieted down compared to the chaos everyone else had left behind Diana sat cross-legged like a queen watching a show sipping her tea with a look

that said if you make things ugly I'll burn it all down with you I walked over laughing you called me here in such a rush and I didn't even get a chance to play a part she chuckled I didn't call you to help me argue I called you to witness your fabulous friend Diana in Action I gave her a thumbs up you've got a sharp tongue and nerves of Steel she let out a huff I've spent years being the quiet selfless one did they really think a few self-righteous speeches would change my mind people like

that never truly understand unless they've lived your pain all they see is a woman too old to stir up trouble and David's family they just don't want to lose their free caregiver they talk about honor and decency but all they care About is who picks up the slack I'm done trying to reason with people who don't want to understand sometimes exposing their dirty laundry is the only way to make them realize why I'm walking away she took another sip of tea though normally I'm very reasonable and kind I only bring out the fireworks when I

absolutely have to I burst into laughter I hadn't felt this light in a long time how are things on your end she asked handing me a handful of nuts not great Bill and Martha had taken turns trying to talk me out of it these past few days George sensing I wasn't bluffing anymore had softened his stance the other day he came back home and said all this fighting is pointless let's both take a step back admit some faults and move on I chased him out with a mop and called a locksmith the same afternoon to

change the locks you'll regret this one day he yelled from outside the door a bitter woman with a nasty temper who'd want you I could come over and give him a proper tongue lashing Diana offered eyes sparkling I'm on fire today honestly after her 10 against one performance earlier it was hard to believe she was the same woman who had cried on my shoulder just weeks ago no need I shook my head this is my mess I've lived half a life for everyone else now I'm finally living it for myself that's not negotiable exactly she

stretched with a groan sitting that long gave me a back Ache come on she said grabbing my hand letun go to dance class arm in arm we strolled to the dance studio today's class was a partner dance and the instructor assigned us both partners but we had barely danced for a few minutes when Diana suddenly pulled me aside what's wrong I whispered did that old guy try something funny Sho she said motioning toward the window facing the park look out there by the little garden isn't that George with Bianca I turned In the direction she

pointed oh well speak of the devil even if Bianca turned to ashes I'd still recognize her there they were sitting together on a bench Bianca wore a pale blue dress her hair pinned up leaning in and softly speaking to George Diana brimming with fire grabbed my hand on your call Esther I swear I'll tear them both apart right here I smiled coldly letun go we marched straight into the garden and stood in front of them arms crossed Expressions Sharp as knives George Diana practically shouted his name loud enough to make everyone in the park turn

and look wow already bringing your old mistress out for stroll and you're not even divorced yet both of them froze Bianca's hand was still resting on George's collar just moments earlier she'd been adjusting it tenderly having an affair out in the open now I added my voice sharp and biting all the surrounding eyes were on us now and George George the coward Turned pale his first instinct wasn't to explain but to snatch Bianca's hand off him and bolt like a guilty child oh no not so fast I stepped forward blocking his path grabbing him by

the arm what's the matter can't face what you've done are you even a man Bianca's face turned bright red she tried to dodge the stairs and mumbled we just friends just talking talking I sneered that was one hell of a conversation fixing his collar and all look to me like they were about to kiss Diana chimed in loudly drawing even more attention George realizing there was no Escape hung his head low trying to Shield his face like a criminal caught red-handed but the lower he bowed his head the louder The Whispers around us grew Diana

looked thrilled by the spectacle sighing theatrically well maybe for sure you can't blame him for that some people just can't resist reliving Old Flames even as she spoke she tightened her grip on George's arm Holding him in place for maximum exposure I am not the other woman Bianca finally burst out raising her voice but her denial only earned her more J mental stairs oh my God this park visit just got so interesting live soap opera wife versus mistress Shameless meeting out in the open like that George true to form said nothing he just covered his

face and tried to hide the crowd thickened and eventually a park manager had to intervene escorting all four of us to The administrative office to calm the situation before long Bill and Martha came rushing in one glance at the crowd and the disheveled George slumped on on the ground was enough to make Bill frown in disbelief mom what the hell is going on he asked rubbing his Temple clearly exasperated what do you think happened Diana Shrugged her face the picture of faux innocence your dad was having a not so coincidental chance encounter with Bianca practically

sitting in each Other's laps your mom and I just happened to walk by total coincidence dad Bill sigh visibly annoyed can you just stop causing chaos for once George immediately turned to him like a drowning man grabbing at a Lifeline Bill your mother is being completely unreasonable I was just out meeting a friend she showed up out of nowhere caused a huge scene humiliated me in front of everyone oh please I scoffed save the victim act George you're not Fooling anyone don't blame your dad Bianca chimed in her voice low and sweet trying to play

the Martyr he's been in such a bad mood lately I was just talking with him trying to cheer him up we weren't doing anything wrong that's why we met in the open but your mom barged in throwing accusations why don't you show some compassion for your father instead of scolding him that's enough ma'am Bill snapped turning toward her our family is already a mess you're not Helping do us a favor stay away from my dad all right and Diana he added sighing you really couldn't stop my mom from escalating things I tried Diana said dramatically

fanning herself with a paper flyer I was doing everything I could to keep things calm you have no idea how stressful it was I'm sweating like crazy can't you too handle your issues at home Martha muttered trying to keep her voice low making a public scene like this it just looks bad oh it looks Bad I raised an eyebrow did it look good when George was sneaking around with Bianca all these years that didn't seem to bother anyone all right all right let's all just calm down one of the park security guards came over clearly

fed up this is a public space please don't cause any more disturbances okay Bill quickly tried to smooth things over yeah yeah we're leaving letun go no need to give everyone more of a show Bianca scrambled to her feet clearly eager to Escape but Diana was faster she reached out and lightly tapped her on the shoulder leaving so soon Bianca but didn't you say everything was out in the open why so nervous now Bianca's face turned a shade paler and George looked like he wanted to sink into the ground finally under the weight of all

the staring eyes we left the park as we neared the parking lot George couldn't hold it in anymore Esther he snapped voice brimming with irritation how long Are you planning to drag this out drag this out I chuckled coldly please we're just getting started but if you're so desperate for peace there's an easy solution agree to the divorce once the papers are signed you're free to grab coffee with whoever you want date whoever you want no one will care Bianca muttered under her breath George you should have left her a long time ago I folded

my arms and stared them both down great then hurry up and get this divorce Done the sooner we wrap it up the sooner I can wish you too a lifetime of happiness Bill stood off to the side rubbing his forehead defeated whatever do what you want George stayed silent and Beyond kept her eyes on the ground not daring to meet my gaze again I didn't have to scream throw punches or lose control but make no mistake this round was mine I got everything I needed damn it felt good bill and Martha came home with me

after everything at the Park the moment we walked in Bill collapsed into a chair with a heavy sigh FW he groaned I get it now you're really not turning back this time unlike his defeated posture I felt energized like I just won a battle at least you finally understand that I said feeling oddly proud all right then he exhaled deeply fine get the divorce I won't stop you anymore but I want you to promise me one thing what is it you have to promise me you won't find another man I couldn't help but laugh out

loud what's this I never tried to control your high school crushes but now that I'm older you get to tell me whether I can date I'm just looking out for you he argued you've heard the stories people jumping into new relationships Without Really knowing the other person only to end up in another cage you finally get out of one bad marriage I don't want you walking into another trap and what you think I'll come crying to you again Asking for another divorce you just don't want to deal with more family drama I just don't want

you to get hurt or made a fool of that's all his voice carried concern but it still rubbed me the wrong way Bill what kind of scam do you think I'm going to fall for maybe you should worry more about your dad Bianca's no innocent little lamb let's hope she doesn't bleed him dry that's not what I meant I'm just saying well as a woman you're more likely to be taken Advantage of listen to me Bill I cut in sharply don't you dare treat me like I'm some burden just because I'm divorced if I want

to date a man that's my business not yours you don't get to control my life I'm not trying to control you he rubbed his hair in frustration he fine if you really must date someone just don't get legally married again that's all I'm asking and why the hell not because he said launching into his justification you and Dad spent your Whole lives building up these three properties people out there are ruthless there's an entire industry built around scamming divorce seniors you have no idea how dangerous the senior dating scene is oh and you do I

raised a brow you've been out there dating seniors yourself mom he groaned you're missing the point these men Sweet Talkers manipulators none of them are really sincere right no one's sincere except you two huh let's Be honest what you're really afraid of is me splitting the property with someone new at that bill froze he glanced at Martha who was also silent neither said another word property always complicates things Diana SED the next day as we relaxed at a massage parlor she was nibbling on a small slice of cake completely at ease you spend your whole

life thinking love will pay you back but look around no one actually cares whether you were happy in that Marriage the only thing they care about is what they stand to lose if you walk away the siblings they're just worried there won't be anyone to take care of their aging parents your husband he's losing his free housekeeper and your son he's terrified your money will end up in someone else's hands I've been thinking about that a lot lately I admitted sighing Diana tell me what do you think is the most precious thing we have left

she didn't answer right away then she Said softly time we've already wasted half our lives every day now is more valuable than ever staying trapped in a toxic marriage for the sake of a few extra dollars not worth it I nodded exactly I'm done wasting my life over Petty property disputes I want to finalize this divorce and start a new chapter so what's your your plan she asked leaning closer take what's rightfully mine let go of what I can and turn enemies into allies bring in Reinforcements well damn she laughed listen to you you've really

leveled up these past few weeks of course I have I grinned they say your 50s and 60s are the perfect age to reinvent yourself the next day I sat down with Bill and Martha to present my idea Martha's eyes widened in disbelief you're you're transferring the properties to us she asked I nodded one of the three is already under your name I want to have the other two legally notorized and handed over to you Before the divorce you keep the documents as for our savings and Investments we'll split 80% between George and me and give

the remaining 20% to you too I had my pension health insurance rental income I really didn't need much honestly the money would eventually go to them anyway might as well give it now and win some Goodwill I needed allies not another Battlefield this might actually work Bill agreed immediately better to lock things in Before Dad loses his mind and gives everything to Bianca and just like that I didn't have to negotiate with George myself Bill and Martha naturally became my Representatives what surprised me most was how quickly George agreed turns out he really did want

to marry Bianca after all those years of sneaking around maybe he genuinely had feelings for her he'd been held back only because Bill disapproved approved but now that Bill had finally stepped aside George didn't Even hesitate to accept the property split things went smoothly on Diana's end to she had become so Fierce and sharp these days like a blazing flame Untouchable and impossible to argue with eventually even the most meddlesome people gave up trying to talk her out of the divorce one month later Diana and I picked up our divorce certificates on the very same

day we walked out of the courthouse ARM in-arm Holding those C documents in hand like Badges of Liberation behind us George and Tomas both scoffed loudly well George Tomas muttered with a sneer looks like we're finally free no more wives breathing down our necks just freedom and peace from here on out damn right George replied sarcasm dripping from every word life's about to get real easy now Diana turned her head and cast them a look of pure contempt not bothering to respond she simply tightened her grip on my arm and we climbed into the car

leaving Those two behind in the dust two men who didn't deserve another second of our attention after the divorce Diana and I rented a villa together we planted flowers in the front yard and vegetables in the back when we weren't painting oil canvases or sipping coffee in the sun we were off traveling cruises small towns national parks you name it neither of us touched housework again we hired cleaners assistants whoever we needed we cooked only when we felt like it when we Didn't we ordered take out poured wine and watched movies under fluffy blankets life

was in a word delightful one evening wrapped in cozy throws with glasses of red wine in hand we curled up on the couch watching Roman Holiday when Audrey Hepburn's delicate figure appeared on screen Diana suddenly went quiet I turned and saw her eyes glistening what's wrong I asked Softly She dabbed her eyes with a tissue it just hit me she said people love to say That women like us women our age are bitter AG agree just bitter old nags he paused voice cracking a little but what they don't understand is no one's born bitter life

pushes you into it we were all bright-eyed girls once every last one of us her words struck something deep in me and for a moment my own eyes stung I pulled her into a hug we still are those girls I whispered she chuckled through her tears yeah sure just with a few more wrinkles we both burst out Laughing clinking our wine glasses shoulders shaking like teenagers at a sleepover and for that moment just that moment we really were those girls again Mom dad's in the hospital few months later bill showed up unexpectedly his tone hesitant

I was in the garden with Diana sipping wine basking in the late afternoon sun I set my glass down and raised an eyebrow and Bill let out a long sigh he's in bad shape he keeps calling your name do you want to go see Him I wasn't particularly inclined to visit but Diana clapped her hands together in excitement oh Tomas is in the hospital too come on letun go sounds like it'll be fun and so we went Diana headed to the Burn Unit while I walked into the orthopedic Ward George was in rough shape his

leg in a cast arm in a sling the moment he saw me his eyes rened filling with something that almost looked like relief Esther he groaned weakly reaching out a trembling hand it Hurts do you remember your beef stew I've been craving it I took a step back smirking coldly oh George I said voice laced with mock sympathy you know I've been reading a lot of books lately mostly by younger authors and there's a phrase that's stuck with me Karma will always find your address he blinked confused I leaned in slightly so you better behave

George or Karma might just find you sooner than you think I turned and walked out of the room realizing I'd Left my phone inside I went back only to stumble upon a heated argument in the hospital room I stuck with him all these years through thick and thin he didn't want me when he was young but now that I finally got him you people just want to cut me out Bianca's voice was shrill on the verge of H bills Bianca ma'am Martha replied with carefully measured patience that house was signed over to us before you

two got married there's no way your name can be added I arched an eyebrow so George really did leave everything to the kids and Bianca he ended up with nothing then what does he have left Bianca's voice trembled with panic what about his pension he promised to take care of me oh his pension Bill let out a dry chuckle dad handed over that account to us ages ago we set it aside for the grandkids education fund he smiled polite but pointed but don't worry you said you cared about him not his money the house is

gone the savings are gone But you still have him we fully support your relationship you two should cherish each other Bianca was stunned silent her face drained of color I shook my head with amusement and turned to leave just as Diana returned from the Burn Unit how's Tomas I asked oh don't even get me started she rolled her eyes dramatically no one's taking care of him anymore so he had to cook for himself set the damn Kitchen on fire burned himself pretty bad his whole side looks awful back at Home life returned to our Blissful

routine until Martha stopped by a few days later with some juicy gossip apparently George had meticulously planned his financial moves before the divorce first he transferred the properties to the kids to finalize the split then hoping to marry Bianca he officially signed over the house to Bill and handed over his pension to the Family Trust he must have really loved her Diana teased not at all I chuckled George isn't stupid he never planned to give her a dime he just wanted a free nurse Bianca's in a bad spot I added after a pause Bianca had

ended up with nothing no assets no security just an aging George who now required full-time care bill and Martha meanwhile hired a housekeeper freeing up their time Martha often stopped by just to spill more stories about George and Bianca they fight constantly she said shaking her head dad has these outbursts and Bianca Yells back he gets so worked up he ends up having episodes we've had to call an ambulance multiple times at first we thought letting them be together would be convenient she was a nurse right made sense for her to take care of dad

saved us the trouble but she wanted more Martha continued with a smirk thought she could get a house out of it but she has no kids why would she get a house lucky we planned ahead now she laughed they're stuck she can't stand him but She can't leave and honestly we're just enjoying the show Martha glanced at her watch all right I have to go pick up the kids talk next week okay I smiled I won't be home next week or the next month for that matter don't drop by and find an empty house she

raised an eyebrow oh where are you going Diana and I are taking a cruise to Antarctica Martha blinked then shook her head with a soft laugh you know Esther sometimes I really envy your life a week later Diana And I stepped onto the grand ship the deck stretching before us under the Wide Open Sky wow this thing is huge and it barely moves at all Diana twirled around excitedly do you think we'll see penguins of course I leaned against the railing gazing out at the icy Horizon not just penguins auroras endless glaciers an entire world

of snow and silence she turned to me grinning you know Diana and Esther sounds like a great Duo name what do you think I Laughed raising my champagne glass to hers his life was long and our adventure was just beginning