Reborn As His Worst Nightmare

My husband was shacked up with a college student again, and I was tearing our house apart.
I was done. I was filing for divorce.
Thats when his mother stepped in, her voice a blade.
He slept with another woman, Anna. He didnt leave you. Your position is secure.
What man doesnt have a little fun on the side? Whats the big deal?
Besides, she added, her tone dripping with a twisted sort of pride, for a man his age to be cheating on you it shows he still has respect for you, that hes being discreet about it!
My sister-in-law, Jessica, chimed in that it was my fault, that Id lost my feminine charm.
My husband, Michael, had been a philanderer his entire life, and I had endured it all. Id swallowed my pride, my anger, my self-respect, for a lifetime. In the end, he died peacefully in his sleep at a ripe old age. And me? After a life of thankless labor, I was thrown out of the house by my own children, left to die of illness in a dingy little rental.
But God, or whatever force is out there, gave me a second chance. Im back, right before the day I was supposed to file for divorce.
1
My mother-in-law, Eleanor, dead for twenty years in another life, was alive and spitting in my face.
Anna Reed! You dare wreck my house? Who do you think you are?
He just talked to a student, and youre acting like a rabid dog. You have no class, no upbringing at all.
You cant even keep your own husband in line, and you have the nerve to blame him. You deserve this.
Go on, file for divorce if you have the guts! My son is a university professor. Youre just a housewife. Lets see what man would ever want you, a piece of used goods like you.
Dont worry, Mom, my sister-in-law, Jess, said, her face alight with schadenfreude. Shed never have the courage to actually leave.
A moment ago, she was the one whod urged Eleanor to slap me. The sting was still fresh on my cheek.
And you dared to break things, Eleanor seethed. I should have hit you harder.
My father-in-law, Frank, sat slumped in his wheelchair, his mouth twisted from the stroke. Hit her, he mumbled. Hit her.
I knew he was telling Michael to do it.
My face was already swelling as I turned to look at Michael. He was sitting on the sofa, calmly watching television, as if this were all just background noise.
Your mother wants me to divorce you, I said, my voice flat. Do you agree?
He didnt even look up from the screen. I dont care. If you want a divorce, get one.
Fine, I said. I agree. Well go to the courthouse tomorrow.
Michael finally smirked. A divorce is fine. But dont even think about taking the kids. And theres no marital savings. You wont get a single penny.
There it was. The same old threat.
I, Anna Reed, used to be a firecracker. The first time he cheated, I immediately demanded a divorce. But Michael knew me, or thought he did. He always used the children as a shield, a weapon to pin me down.
The children.
Eleanor started to say something, but Jess quickly pulled her back. They knew my weakness. The moment the kids were mentioned, I would endure anything.
But not anymore. I dont care about the children now.
I think whatever power brought me back was truly kind. To die and be given another chance to live. This time, I will not sacrifice myself for anyone.
Just like before, I said nothing. I just stood up and walked back to my room.
See, Mom? I told you. Shed never dare.
I ignored Jesss triumphant voice. A cold smile touched my lips as I started moving my things.
It wasn't really "my room." It was a small, partitioned-off space next to my father-in-laws bedroom. Ever since Franks stroke, he needed someone with him at all times. The original plan was for me to care for him during the day and for Eleanor to take the night shift, so I could get some rest. But Eleanor claimed she had a delicate nervous condition, that she was a light sleeper and the slightest noise would keep her awake all night. She insisted I move into the little nook to be near him around the clock.
The irony was bitter enough to make me laugh.
Michael slept soundly every night in the large master bedroom, alone.
Well, Ive decided. Whoever wants to take care of Frank can take care of him. Eleanor was always telling the neighbors how ungrateful and disrespectful I was, wasn't she? Fine. Ill be the ungrateful one. Let Michael be the devoted son for a change.
I efficiently stripped my bedding and carried my things into the master bedroom.
Michael followed me in, his brow furrowed in annoyance. What are you doing, moving in here? What if Dad needs to use the bathroom at night? What if he needs water or needs to be turned over?
2
I started pulling his clothes from the closet and tossing them onto a chair. Were getting a divorce. Your dad is no longer my dad. Hes your problem now.
What is wrong with you? Are you done throwing this tantrum?
I laughed. A real laugh this time. A tantrum? What if I am?
He always called it a tantrum. In my past life, I believed him. Arguing with him was a tantrum. Smashing things in a hysterical fit was a tantrum. Refusing to eat was a tantrum. But I see it clearly now. Hurting myself wasnt a tantrum. Hurting themthat was a real tantrum.
Look at this. All I did was move out of that glorified closet, and suddenly Michael couldn't wait to follow me into a room and speak to me. On a normal day, he wouldnt say more than three sentences to me.
So, this is how you make them uncomfortable. This is how you make them feel something.
Michaels face was a stony mask as he walked out of the room.
I couldnt be bothered to listen to what the family was muttering about outside. I changed the sheets on the bed and then went to take a shower.
Usually, this was the time Id be rushing to pick up the kids from school. After that, it was a race to cook dinner. Once the family had eaten, Id clean up, and then it was time to help the kids with their homework. After homework, Id give them their baths. Finally, Id have to bathe my father-in-law and give him his medication. Only after Frank was asleep did I have a moment to myself.
I was a beast of burden in this house.
After my shower, I sat down and started calculating my savings. I have an associates degree from a community college, but I only worked for a few years before getting married. After we were married, Michaels salary went directly to his mother. I had to submit a weekly expense report just for groceries. If I needed money for anything else, I had to formally request it from Eleanor. Michael would never give me money directly.
But I wasnt completely without an income. My English is excellent. Ive been doing some freelance translation work on the side, earning a few hundred dollars here and there. Right now, I have a little over ten thousand dollars saved up. Its not much, but its enough to keep me afloat after the divorce until I find a job.
And I dont have to worry about the house.
This house was left to me by my parents. Its large and its a pre-marital asset. Michael cant touch it.
The moment we got married, Michael moved his parents in. His sister Jess lived with us too, before she got married. Its dawning on me now that Michael likely married me for this house. His whole family had a plan, a scheme to bleed a family with no sons dry.
This time, I will not compromise. I will kick every single one of them out.
Just then, a loud banging started on the bedroom door. Anna, what are you doing hiding in there? The kids are about to get out of school, aren't you going to pick them up? And this mess on the floor isn't going to clean itself up, you lazy thing.
I opened the door. They dont like it when I pick them up. Let Michael go.
Eleanor shrieked. How could Michael possibly do something like that?
Why not? Theyre his children too.
Fine! You wont go? Then nobody will!
It was one of her favorite tactics. In the past, seeing that no one else would do it, Id get angry, but my concern for the children would always win out. Id always be the one to quietly go and do what needed to be done.
This time, I refused to play her game.
A few moments later, I heard the front door slam shut.
3
That would be Eleanor, heading out. She never came home before dinner.
I opened the bedroom door. The living room was a minefield of broken glass and debris. The only person left was Frank, sitting silently in his wheelchair.
I pretended I didnt see any of it.
I went into the study, opened my laptop, and started looking for a job.
My English skills are not just a boast. I majored in international business. Ive always loved the language and never let it get rusty. I polished my resume and sent it out to over a hundred companies.
After I was done, I went straight back to the bedroom, climbed into bed, and fell asleep.
I was just so tired. I didnt want to think about anything or deal with anyone.
Wheres dinner? Why hasnt anyone cooked?
Are you dead? You sit at home all day and dont cook, dont clean up the floor?
Michael, look at the kind of woman you married! A lazy, worthless pig. Just lying in bed instead of making dinner. Is she looking for a beating? Is this a rebellion?
Eleanors screeching voice pulled me from my sleep. I groaned and pulled the covers over my head.
Get up. Michael was in the room. I dont know when he came in.
A surge of hot anger shot through me. I sat bolt upright. Are you insane? Cant you see Im sleeping?
Michael was furious. Sleep, sleep, sleep, thats all you do! Its barely evening and youre sleeping. Why didnt you make dinner?
Im not eating.
Im not asking if youre eating. Mom told you to cook. Why didnt you?
I stared at him, bewildered. Are you deaf or just stupid? I said Im not eating. Whoever is hungry can cook for themselves.
Youre doing this on purpose, arent you? What did my mother ever do to you? Anna, dont push it!
I am pushing it. What are you going to do about it? Divorce me? Go on, get out! Go find your precious Grace! Let her come and wait on your entire family, hand and foot.
Michael took several deep breaths. Fine. You dont cook, the kids dont eat. They can starve for all I care.
I rolled my eyes. The same old trick. Not an ounce of creativity.
Just as we were arguing, the kids came home. Liam and Sophie are twins, nine years old this year.
The moment Liam walked in, he saw us. Mom, why are you fighting with Dad again? Cant you just be quiet for once?
Sophie nodded in agreement. Yeah, Mom, your voice is so loud. And you didnt even pick us up from school today.
Michaels face was grim. Look at what your mother has become. I want you both to promise me you will never, ever be like her. Shes like a shrew, with no manners at all.
The air was knocked out of my lungs. I thought I might actually die from pure rage.
I looked at the two children I had given birth to, my gaze cold.
Genetics are a powerful thing. Liam and Sophie had perfectly inherited the selfish streak that ran deep in the Pierce family. All they ever saw was me, screaming and making a scene. And every single time, they took Michaels side.
In my last life, when I was on my deathbed, their first thought was how to get rid of me, not how to get me to a doctor.
I finally understood. Husband? Children? They were illusions. And I would rather have none of them.
A smile that didnt reach my eyes spread across my face. Alright, alright. I wont fight with your dad anymore. Now, please, take him out of my room. I have a terrible headache today. I need you both to not bother me.
The two little ones exchanged a confused look. They couldnt understand why I had given in so easily.
Michael glared at me. The kids are home, what are you doing still in bed? I told you to go make dinner.
I completely ignored him.
He raised his voice. Anna, did you hear me?
When I didnt respond, he bellowed, Are you deaf? I told you to go and cook! How long are you going to keep this up? I already told you I was just having a normal conversation with a student. Why are you being so controlling? What will people think of me?
I sat up and beckoned the children closer.
When Liam and Sophie were standing by the bed, I said, Im not the one fighting now. Your father is the one who is yelling. Can you please ask him to be quiet? Hes a professor, for goodness sake. He has zero class. Dont you two ever grow up to be like him, acting like a complete psycho.
The kids looked up at Michael. Daddy, please stop shouting.
Just then, Eleanor burst into the room and pushed them aside. What do you two know? Your father is just disciplining his wife.
The push sent Sophie stumbling to the floor, and she immediately burst into loud sobs.
Eleanor shot me a look from her beady, triangular eyes. What are you crying for? Useless girl, all you know how to do is cry. Did someone in this family die? Why are you wailing like that?
In the past, I would have rushed over, scooped Sophie into my arms, and launched into a screaming match with Eleanor.
Not anymore. Im not that stupid. I remembered how easily Eleanor had turned the kids against me with just a few words, making them forget everything I had ever done for them. They told me to be more understanding. Fine. Lets see how they fare without my protection. Lets see if they still remember how wonderful their grandmother is.
Michael frowned at his mother. Thats enough, Mom. Lets just go make dinner.
Eleanors eyes widened. Me? You want me to cook? Then what is she going to do?
Michael was exasperated. Shes not feeling well today. Just this once, can you please do it?
I watched Eleanor, a cold smile playing on my lips.
See? If your heart is hard enough, you can get anything you want.
After Eleanor left, Michael led the children out of the room.
I called after him. Dont forget the courthouse tomorrow.
He whipped his head around. Fine. Well go. Just dont you come crying to me when you regret it.
That night, I didnt lift a finger. Eleanor clanged and banged her way through making one meal, cursing under her breath the entire time. She yelled at me, she yelled at the kids. I didnt help with homework either. Michael had no choice but to sit down with them himself. I could hear his frustrated roars even through the closed door. It was almost funny. When I used to help them, everyone said I had a bad temper and was a terrible teacher. Now that Michael was the one yelling, Eleanor didn't dare say a word.
After a long struggle, the kids were finally bathed and in bed. Then came the familiar sound: Frank, banging his bamboo cane on the floor. It was a system Eleanor had devised for him. Whenever he needed something, hed bang the cane, and I would come running.
Tonight, of course, I wasnt going.
Anna, hurry up! Your father had an accident. Get in here and clean him up!
Do you hear me? Are you dead in there?
Eleanor pounded on my door, the sound echoing through the house.
I opened it and stared at her coldly. Michael and I are getting a divorce. I have no obligation to take care of him anymore. Michael is the devoted son. Go get him.
You black-hearted witch! It was the worst day of Michaels life when he married you.
I shot back calmly, Regretting it? Good. Lets speed up this divorce. Im sure theres a long line of women waiting to marry your precious son.
It felt so good.
Unwilling to make Michael do the dirty work, Eleanor had to deal with Frank herself, muttering and cursing the whole time as she cleaned up his mess. The process took ages and multiple trips.
The next morning, I got up and dressed.
I could hear Eleanor complaining in the kitchen. Son, are you really going to divorce her? My old bones were aching all night, Im exhausted. Whos going to do all the housework from now on?
Dont worry, Mom. Im just using the divorce to scare her. Even after we sign, theres that mandatory waiting period, right? Shell come crawling back before its over. Youll just have to bear with it for a little while. We need to teach her a lesson, show her that this family runs just fine without her.
4
Once she stops this nonsense, everything will go back to her doing all the work.
Eleanor let out a relieved laugh. Youre the one with the education. I agree, you cant let her get away with this. Give her an inch and she takes a mile, daring to talk back to me.
Michael sounded smug. I know. The thing she fears most is my anger. The second I get mad, she folds like a cheap suit. This time, were going to really put her in her place.
Whatever you say, son.
I sneered. It was just like the last time. They had agreed to a divorce then, too. But on the way to the courthouse, the fear of losing my children had overwhelmed me. I turned back before we even got there. From that day forward, I was always beneath Michael. Every time he cheated after that, hed dare me to divorce him, knowing I no longer had the courage.
Michael came out and saw me sitting on the sofa. His face was a mask of disgust. Werent you the one who wanted a divorce? Lets go.
The kids werent ready for school yet. They heard him and their eyes went wide. Mommy, are you getting a divorce?
I nodded. Your father says hes taking you with him, so youll live with him from now on. And you should start packing your things. After the divorce, you and your dad will have to move out. He has plenty of money, hell buy you a big new house.
Liams face lit up. Then can I have Grace be my new mom? Shes so gentle. She helps me with my homework and she always smiles at me. Shes not mean like you.
Sophie immediately piped up, I want Grace too! Shes so pretty, and youre not. Daddy, does this mean Ill have a pretty mom pick me up from school now?
I smiled brightly. Then you should help me convince your dad to marry Grace. Youll all have a very happy life together soon.
Eleanor stormed out of the kitchen. What? Move out? This is my sons house! Im not going anywhere!
Michaels face was turning a sickly shade of gray. Anna, are you really going to push me like this?
Michael, how is this pushing you? Were divorced. You and Grace cant get married and live in a house my parents left me, can you? She wouldnt be happy here, surrounded by traces of my life. Youre a professor. You wouldnt want to be known as the man who tried to swindle his ex-wife out of her pre-marital property, would you? Think of your reputation.
His face was a thundercloud as we drove to the courthouse.
I, on the other hand, was beaming, a bright spot in the grim, silent waiting room.
The clerk handed me the paperwork. Please review this agreement. The children go to the father. The wife waives all rights to marital assets. There are no joint savings. Is this correct?
Yes, I said. No problem.
Michael gave a strained nod.
Someone nearby muttered, What kind of man leaves his wife with nothing? Scum.
Michael shot them a venomous glare.
I walked out of the courthouse. In thirty days, I would be completely free of that entire family.
You need to pack your things and move out as soon as possible, I told him. Ill make sure the child support payments are on time.
Michael didnt say a word. He just turned and walked away.
When I got home, Eleanor was grimly spoon-feeding Frank.
She saw me and slammed the bowl down. Look whos back. Do you know what time it is? Getting lazier by the day. Didnt even bother to make a single meal.

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