Retaliation is said to be best served cold, but when my ex-husband’s second wife contacted me, I was entangled in a web of lies and desperation. I had assumed that the suffering of my past was behind me, but her cry for assistance reopened old scars and sent me in an unexpected direction.
My life abruptly came apart five years ago. Kevin, a lovely and prosperous businessman, was my husband. I thought everything was great until the day he unintentionally texted me rather than his mistress.
My world was devastated by that text. It said, “Jess, I detest her.” “With all my being, I detest Bridget. She’s not even able to conceive me.”
Indeed, he was referring to me. He was aware of my infertility prior to our marriage. I kept reading those phrases until I felt the blood drain from my cheeks. The man I believed to be my love, the man I adored, had been unfaithful to me and was angry with me for circumstances beyond my control.
Naturally, I was unable to forgive him, so we made the decision to part ways. Kevin had amassed quite the collection by the time our divorce was finalized, including a business, three commercial buildings, and a stunning lake house.
I received half of everything in the settlement, including the lake home and the flat. Furthermore, I turned become a silent partner in his business and started getting returns twice a year.
Most likely, he believed it would lessen his guilt. I obviously no longer needed to work, but I was too passionate about my profession to give it up.
He wed Jessica, the person he cheated on me with, shortly after. I made an effort to forget about them and go on. Up until a month ago, that is. Suddenly one evening, I received an SMS from an unidentified number.
Hello. It’s Jess. Kevin’s recent spouse. I require your assistance. I ask you to please. Please respond. I can only be saved by you.
With my heart pounding, I glanced at my phone. I chose to reply since her texts were so desperate.
“What is it that you want?” I responded with another type.
“Please come see me. Next day. at 2 p.m. at Stevens Point. And Kevin can’t know,” she quickly said.
I was curious and uneasy as I sat in a quiet spot of Stevens Point the next day. With a pale and haggard face, Jess entered. When she saw me, she ran over and carefully peered about.
“I appreciate you coming, Bridget,” she hurriedly sat down. “I had no idea to whom else to turn.”
“What’s happening?” I asked, attempting to maintain a steady tone.
She inhaled deeply. “I am carrying Kevin’s child.”
Not completely astonished, but surprised, I raised my eyebrows. “Moreover?”
Tears flooded her eyes. Kevin is against having the child. He insisted that I get rid of it. He claims he can’t now afford a child since the divorce cost him too much money.
I had a rush of sympathy and rage. This girl, who contributed to the dissolution of my marriage, was now seated in front of me, terrified and in a dire situation.
“I apologize, but what action are you expecting me to take?” Sincerely confused, I inquired.
She pleaded, her voice cracking, “Please, I’m begging you.” “Perhaps he might reconsider if you returned a portion of the funds you got from the divorce settlement. There is nothing more that I can do.
I was taken aback. The last thing I anticipated was this. It’s not that easy, Jess. I believe you have overlooked the fact that he left me for you.
With tears flowing down her cheeks, she glanced at me. “Please, Bridget. Assist me.
A restaurant encounter between two women | Source: Midjourney
“I will consider it,” I ultimately said. But I’m unable to make any promises.
Jess gave a tiny nod of relief. “Many thanks for that.”
After leaving the dinner, my head was swimming. I couldn’t get out of my head while I was driving home: Kevin was controlling her in the same way that he had been controlling me for years.
She didn’t see it, and I had to save her from going through what I went through. I felt a strange impulse to shield her, even though she hurt me. Furthermore, I was determined to impart a genuine lesson to Kevin.
The next day, I gave Jess a call.
“Hi, this is Bridget. Your predicament has been on my mind, and I wish to support you.
She cried over the phone, her relief evident, “Oh, thank you, Bridget!”
I went on, “But not in the way you want me to.” “I understand how painful it will be for you, but Kevin doesn’t care about you. Had he, you wouldn’t have been asked to give up the baby. Jess, it’s about his priorities, not the money. Make a sensible decision at the very least if he’s forcing you to pick.
“Bridget, I… Between quiet cries, Jess’s voice cracked. “I don’t know what to say.” However, you are correct. I cannot allow anything to occur to my child. Tell me what you have in mind, please.
“Excellent. While we work things out, I believe you should temporarily live into my lake cottage. You’re safe, and Kevin won’t be able to find you.
She paused. “Are you certain?”
“Yes,” I told her. The infant and you will be kept safest if you do this. I promise you this.
She consented after a protracted silence. “All right, I’ll carry it out. Bridget, thank you very much.
Jess moved into the lake house a few days later. Even though it was strange to see her there, I knew it was the correct decision.
After she was calm, I spoke with Mr. Fields, my attorney, and explained my strategy. “We must write Kevin a letter. It’s time to present the situation as serious.
Mr. Fields gave a little smile as he nodded. “That is a very good plan. That will undoubtedly catch his eye.
The letter said the following:
To Mr. Kevin Michaelson, please
Regarding Ms. Jessica Sanders, my client, and her upcoming activities, I am writing to you on her behalf. The purpose of this letter is to formally inform you of the following:
Ms. Sanders is filing for divorce from you and has moved out of the marital home.
Any efforts to get in touch with her directly will be viewed as harassment and will be met with swift legal action.
Furthermore, please be aware that we will be forced to reveal your demands to end Ms. Sanders’ pregnancy to the public if you challenge the divorce or make any attempt to threaten, coerce, or influence her. You may be sure that such behavior will negatively impact your reputation both personally and professionally.
We kindly ask that you take into account how serious this issue is and that you work with us to reach a cooperative outcome.
Regards,
Richard Fields, Mr.
Fields and Associates.
Kevin got the letter a few days later. He phoned me right away, understandably outraged.
“What the devil is going on, Bridget? Jess, where are you? He shouted into the phone, “Why are you involved?
I inhaled deeply while maintaining a composed tone. I am fully informed, Kevin. Jess is also secure. She is no longer susceptible to your intimidation or deceit.
A deep growl was heard over the hush that followed. Do you really believe you can just rip her from me?
Kevin, I’m not taking her away. She is departing voluntarily. And you already know what will happen if you attempt to pursue her or challenge the divorce.
He hung up after a lengthy moment of stillness. I was aware that I had startled him, but that was only the start. My next move was to take aim at his wallet, which was where the most pain was felt.
Once more, Mr. Fields and I met. I informed him, “We must start an audit of Kevin’s business.” “It’s time we address the financial irregularities I’ve been suspecting for a while.”
Mr. Fields gave a nod, his eyes bright with resolve. “We will address it immediately.”
The audit created a lot of agitation in Kevin’s company. His assets were placed under temporary freeze, and partners and investors showed him less than favorable treatment. Kevin phoned me back, but he sounded different this time.
“Bridget, this is getting too much,” he remarked in a panicked tone. “You’re destroying me,”
I suppressed a sigh of delight as I spoke. “Kevin, you caused this to yourself. Maybe the next time you’ll reconsider before controlling and harming others.
with the meanwhile, I assisted Jess with filing for divorce and found her a fantastic attorney who was well-known for advocating for women’s rights. We launched a campaign, showcasing her narrative of control and manipulation, to win over women’s rights organizations. After it was reported by the media, Kevin’s reputation suffered greatly.
Jess and I spent an evening sitting by the lake, taking in the sunset. “It’s unbelievable how much my life has changed in such a short period of time,” she said, her tone tinged with both regret and relief.
I answered, “Jess, you’re stronger than you realize.” “And you’re taking the proper care of yourself and your child.”
When the audit reports showed up a few weeks later, Kevin’s firm had been involved in serious financial malfeasance. His life began to fall apart as the news went viral. His reputation had been ruined, his business was in ruins, and he was now facing an expensive divorce.
However, Jess managed to get her bearings, and our friendship grew. I was there for her at every turn, encouraging her to keep the kid.
She turned to face me one day while we were sitting in the living room, her eyes beaming with appreciation. Without you, Bridget, I don’t know what I would have done. My rock has been you.
I grinned, experiencing a warmth I hadn’t had in a while. I said, “We women need to stick together.” “And sometimes all karma needs is a little prodding.”
Kevin experienced this firsthand. Everything was lost for him, including his company, his standing, and his authority over Jess. In the meanwhile, knowing that justice had been done gave me a feeling of pleasure and closure.
You know, things really do come full circle in life, and it’s not always the case that what goes around comes around.