He Controlled Our Money, So We Left Him
Ill burn it for you three times a day, hed said, his voice cold and even. Just to make sure you and the boy dont go on a spending spree in the afterlife.
My in-laws stared, dumbfounded.
My son and I were just as stunned.
You control our money when were alive, and you want to keep controlling it after were dead? Its enough to make a ghost come back to life just to haunt you!
And then I opened my eyes. My son and I were alive. Truly alive.
I blinked again, and the world solidified around me. I was back on the day my husband, Andy, and I got divorced.
Lily, youll get custody of Jeff after the divorce, Andy said, his tone clipped and businesslike. You and he can move into the apartment I own. Ill transfer child support to you three times a day.
He continued, consulting a small notebook. Ive spoken with the nanny. A typical family spends about five dollars on breakfast, ten on lunch, and fifteen on dinner. Ill round it up and give you thirty dollars a day.
Any additional expenses will require a written request from you, which I will review and approve at my discretion. This is to prevent you from spending the money frivolously and corrupting Jeffs values.
Andy droned on, listing his concerns, his arrangements
In a daze, I looked down at my son, Jeff. He was looking right back at me.
One look was all it took. I knew.
We had both been reborn.
In my past life, Andys fear of my supposed gold-digging nature led him to force me to quit my job after we got married. For three years, Jeff and I lived under his thumb, dependent on his every whim. When I finally couldnt take it anymore and asked for a divorce, this was his response. He calculated our basic living expenses down to the penny, terrified of giving me a single extra dollar that I might waste.
He was religious about it, sending the money in three infuriating installments every single day.
If I didn't send him a detailed report on Jeff's day, complete with pictures, he would dock the support as punishment. Sometimes for a day, sometimes for three.
That suffocating control had pushed me to the edge. I spent my days washing dishes in a restaurant until my fingers were wrinkled prunes and my nights cleaning office buildings until my back screamed in protest. I never dared to stop.
Jeff was a growing boy. He needed milk, fruit, things a growing boy needs. But the pittance Andy gave me barely covered our three meals, and that was before his frequent deductions. There was never anything left over.
I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain barely enough to suppress the wave of hatred rising in my chest.
Across from me, Andy watched me with cold, judgmental eyes, as if expecting me to snatch his money and run off to a casino at any second.
Fine, I said, my voice surprisingly calm. I agree.
Andy was clearly taken aback by my quick compliance. He paused, then pushed a pre-prepared divorce agreement across the table. Sign it. And remember what you said. If I find out youre taking my money and squandering it instead of caring for our son, you wont see another dime.
I picked up the pen and signed my name, each stroke a farewell to the misery of my past life.
Once it was done, I took Jeffs hand and stood up. Without another glance at Andy, I walked straight out the door.
The moment we stepped out of that sterile, cold house, the sun hit my face, so warm it made my eyes burn.
Jeff squeezed my hand and looked up at me with a bright smile. Mommy, were free.
I shook my head.
Not yet. As long as we were living hand-to-mouth, dependent on his charity, we werent truly free.
The apartment Andy provided was a cramped, 400-square-foot walk-up with peeling paint on the walls.
But I didnt mind. I set up Jeffs room, turned the living room sofa into my own bed, and felt a sense of peace I hadnt known in years.
At least here, there were no judgmental eyes, no suffocating pressure.
The next morning, I woke with a jolt as sunlight streamed through the old, dusty window. Jeff was still fast asleep beside me, his face flushed and peaceful.
In my past life, I was always up at the crack of dawn, riddled with anxiety, terrified of making a mistake that would displease Andy. This rare moment of relaxation had made me oversleep.
I scrambled to wake Jeff, rushing through dressing and washing up. There was no time to make breakfast; I just grabbed two packs of crackers and hurried him to preschool.
I watched him skip through the gates, a wave of relief washing over me. As I turned to leave, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Andy, his tone dripping with accusation: Lily, do you know what time it is? You cant even get our son to school on time. How lazy can you be? Youre a terrible influence! Todays child support is docked. A little lesson for you.
In my past life, a message like that would have sent me into a panic. I would have sobbed and typed out a long, rambling apology, begging him not to cut off any more money.
Now, I just stared at the screen, a cold smile touching my lips. I locked my phone without a word of reply.
I knew arguing with Andy was pointless. He only ever believed his own narrative. It was better to find a practical solution.
I looked across the street to the grocery store and walked in.
I took a few pictures of the vegetable and meat sections, then a final one of my empty shopping basket. I posted them to my Facebook page with a simple caption: No money for groceries. Any friends willing to help a girl out?
I put my phone away and bought the cheapest bag of flour and a few eggs I could find.
Even with no money, I was determined that Jeff would have a hot meal tonight.
I had just paid when my phone started ringing off the hook. I opened it to see a comment from my mother-in-law on my post: Lily, whats going on? Is that boy of mine giving you trouble again?
A warmth spread through my chest.
I quickly replied: Mom, its nothing major. I was just a little late dropping Jeff off today, so Andy said he was docking todays support. Im just a little short on cash and thought Id see if I could borrow some.
A few seconds later, she called. The moment I answered, her angry voice filled my ear.
Has Andy lost his mind? Hes docking your child support? Is he even Jeffs father anymore?
Dont you worry about him. Im sending you some money right now. That boy honestly, hes a regional manager with a six-figure salary, and hes nickel-and-diming his own wife and son!
After I hung up, I stared at the thousand-dollar transfer notification, a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
She was right. Andy worked for a major national corporation. As a regional manager, thirty dollars a day was less than pocket change for him.
He wasnt being frugal; he was being cruel. He was convinced I was weak and easy to manipulate, and he was using this paltry sum to control me, to keep me forever under his thumb.
I had just sent her a thank you message when my phone rang again. Andy.
I took a deep breath, hit record, and answered, deliberately making my voice sound hoarse, as if Id been crying.
Hello?
Lily, what the hell was that Facebook post? Andys voice was a low growl. Are you trying to air our dirty laundry in public? Make me a laughingstock? Or are you just playing the victim to scam money off people?
I laughed silently, but my voice was panicked and small. No I really dont have any money for groceries. Jeff didnt even have breakfast today. I was just desperate. I wasnt trying to make you look bad or scam anyone, I swear.
The line went silent for a few seconds as he tried to gauge if I was telling the truth.
Finally, he scoffed. Youd better not be. And remember, if I find out youve taken money from anyone else, or if youre wasting my money, I have ways of making your life very difficult.
I know, I said quickly. I wouldnt.
I paused, then added, Could you could you maybe send todays support payment? I bought some flour and eggs, but theres no meat in the house. Jeffs a growing boy, he cant just eat
He cut me off. The deduction is to teach you a lesson. Being late is not acceptable. Dont ask me for money again. When youve learned your lesson, well talk.
He hung up with a sharp click.
Listening to the dial tone, I couldnt help but smile.
Even now, he still thought he could control me with a few dollars.
I opened my contacts and scrolled through the names of his relatives. An idea began to form.
In my past life, I was always afraid of causing trouble, of being seen as the difficult ex-wife who was disrupting the family harmony. So, no matter how Andy treated me, I gritted my teeth and endured it.
And what did I get for it?
I was pushed to the brink of despair, and his entire family thought I was a lazy, ungrateful woman.
But this time, I knew better. What did Andy care about most?
His professional reputation.
He could be cruel to me, he could withhold child support, but he would never want the world to know that he was the kind of man who would let his own son go hungry.
My plan was simple.
If he didnt send the money tomorrow, Id post again. And maybe Id have a little chat with a few friends in the local media about my family situation.
When it came to public shame, what did I have to lose?
But Andy, the successful regional manager? He had everything to lose.
On my way home, I ran into Sarah, the mother of one of Jeffs classmates.
She was carrying two large bags of groceries. When she saw me clutching my small bag of flour and eggs, she paused. Lily? Is that all youre getting? Jeffs a growing boy, he needs proper nutrition.
My face flushed. After a moments hesitation, I told her the truth. Dont ask, Sarah. I was late dropping Jeff off this morning, so my ex-husband decided to teach me a lesson and docked todays child support. This is all I could afford.
He docked the child support? Sarahs eyes went wide. For being a little late? Thats insane! And what kind of man is so stingy with money for his own kid?
I gave her a bitter smile. Thats not even the half of it. Hes so paranoid Ill run off with his money that he sends it in three installments a day. Thirty bucks total. And I have to send him daily updates on Jeff. If Im even a little late, he docks it.
Oh my God, she gasped. Thats not just stingy, thats crazy. Who treats their ex-wife like that? Youd think he was a millionaire trying to protect his fortune.
I just smiled weakly. But then, a memory hit me.
In my past life, around this time, Sarah had seen how much I was struggling and offered to help me find a job. But I was so afraid of what Andy would think that I refused. I ended up taking exhausting, low-paying manual labor jobs instead.
This time, I wouldnt make the same mistake.
I took a deep breath. Sarah, can I ask you something? Do you know of any office admin jobs available? I dont need a high salary, just something that would let me pick Jeff up from school on time.
She blinked, then her face lit up. An admin? Youre in luck! My husbands company is looking for one right now. No overtime, six-hour days. The schedule would be perfect for you.
My heart leaped.
Let me talk to my husband, she said, pulling out her phone right then and there.
She explained my situation to him, her voice fiercely protective. Listen, Lily is a wonderful person who just got a raw deal. You need an admin, she needs a job. And dont you dare lowball her on the salary; shes raising a kid on her own.
A moment later, she hung up, beaming. Its done! He said you can start tomorrow. Thirty-five hundred a month. And he specifically said hell pay you in cash, to keep your ex from seeing the deposits and giving you trouble.
At the words thirty-five hundred and cash, tears sprang to my eyes.
In my past life, I worked three back-breaking jobs and didnt even make that much, all while living at Andys mercy. Now, all it took was asking for help.
Sarah was startled by my sudden tears. Lily, whats wrong? Did I say something?
No, no, I sobbed, wiping my eyes. Sarah, thank you. Thank you so much. I can finally stop begging for money. I can finally earn my own money to raise Jeff.
She patted my shoulder. Silly girl, what are you crying for? You deserve this. We moms have to stick together.
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