I never expected to receive an email from my ex-husband’s new wife, Stephanie. But what really caught me off guard was the bill she attached to the email. The list of “expenses caused by me” left me speechless. Her audacity was unmatched, and I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of person sends a bill like that to their husband’s ex-wife.
I’d been divorced from my ex-husband, Matt, for two years. We’d parted ways amicably, or so I thought. Matt had moved on quickly, marrying Stephanie just a year after our divorce. I, on the other hand, was focusing on rebuilding my life.
Looking back, it’s easy to see why our marriage didn’t work out. Matt and I were complete opposites. He wanted someone to take care of him, while I wanted a partner. It was a realization that hit me hard after the honeymoon phase wore off.
The email from Stephanie brought up a lot of old feelings. She claimed that I was responsible for various expenses, including Matt’s eye doctor appointment, a new wardrobe, therapy sessions, a fitness coach, a new mattress, and even a meal planning course. The total came out to be over $5,000.
I was shocked and amused by the email. Who does that? I thought to myself. But then I decided to have a little fun. I drafted a response, a counter-invoice of sorts, listing all the expenses I’d incurred during our marriage. I included things like managing all household responsibilities, emotional labor, and even lost brain cells from listening to Matt’s business ideas.
I sent the email, and within hours, my phone started blowing up with calls and messages from mutual friends. They were all congratulating me on my response, calling it “legendary.” Stephanie, on the other hand, wasn’t thrilled. She tried to explain herself, but the more she talked, the worse she sounded.
Eventually, Matt called me, apologizing for Stephanie’s behavior. It was the first apology I’d ever received from him. I told him it was fine, but he should make sure to pay the invoice.
The whole ordeal was a reminder that I’d made the right decision in leaving Matt. I was happy to be out of that toxic relationship, and I wasn’t going to let Stephanie’s antics bring me down. I’d moved on, and I was focusing on building a better life for myself.
