Ten Years Poor Five Billion Divorce

My long-distance husband, Cameron, claimed he had to work through the holidays, so I decided to fly out and surprise him. The only seats left were business class. I stared at the five-figure price tag, swallowed hard, and wiped out a year's savings. Naturally, when I finally settled in, I couldn't even figure out how to pull out the tray table.

The impeccably dressed woman next to me sneered. First time in business, honey?

I managed an awkward smile. Im sorry. You must be an executive. You look incredibly successful.

She scoffed, running a hand over her custom-tailored jacket. Me? No. My sugar daddy is the CEO. If a plane doesn't have business class, he charters a private jet for me.

I blinked. A sugar daddy? That must be a rare arrangement.

Not really. Im his junior employee. I make mistakes all the timecost him a fortune, actually. Hes always yelling at me and making me cry. Then I cry, and then... you know.

How ironic, I murmured. My husband also has a female co-worker whos always messing up.

Youre married? She looked me up and down, a look of casual disdain. My Daddy has a wife around your age. He says he's been over her for yearsthat shes got zero novelty. Nothing like when I just flip my hair, you know? I told him I wanted to see him for the New Year. Poofhe tells his wife he has to work overtime.

My eyes locked onto the diamond on her ring finger. It was the exact duplicate of the wedding band Id lost years ago.

A cold, sick dread seized me. Wait. Cameron was a mid-level manager, scraping by. When did he become a CEO?

...

I stared at her ring finger. That ring... its a wedding ring. Did you and your... Daddy... get married?

This? Kaia examined the solitaire, turning it slowly. Oh, I made him take it from his original wife.

I froze.

I hadn't planned to give the old broad a hard time, Kaia continued, her voice light and careless, but then she had the audacity to lose the baby and need him at the hospital right on my birthday. I spent my birthday completely alone.

I instinctively placed my hand on my stomach, the memory of that cruel winter flooding back.

I was three months along. The black ice on the sidewalk outside our tiny rented apartment. Cameron was earning so little back then, an e-bike was a luxury. I fell hard. The baby, just blood on the ground.

Cameron had stayed with me for three days and three nights, but when I woke up, the wedding ring was gone along with the child.

Its okay, Grace, hed whispered, holding me tight. Well have another baby. Ill buy you a new ring.

I shook my head, tears blurring everything. No, you said the company was doing layoffs. We need to save. When you make it big, then you can buy me a new one. He'd looked at me, his eyes red, on the verge of crying. I'm sorry, I failed you.

Kaias voice pulled me back. So, you just asked him to take his wifes ring and give it to you?

Yep. He actually refused at first, said hed buy me a more expensive one. But that old woman was so arrogant just because she was his wife. If I didn't punish her, she'd be walking all over me, right? I clamped my jaw shut. Honestly, this diamond is cheap compared to what else he buys me. But its the wedding ring.

Kaia leaned back and gave me a smug smile. A woman who lets herself get to that pointshe deserves nothing better.

I squeezed the fabric of my dress until my knuckles were white. I forced a small, sickly smile. Your Daddy is so generous. His wife must be getting quite the payoff to keep her quiet, right?

Kaia laughed, leaning in conspiratorially. Tell you a secret: the old woman still doesn't even know he's a CEO.

Why?

Kaia admired her diamond-studded manicure. Because whats the point? She spent all her best years struggling with him. If you were a man, once you got rich, would you spend money on a wife whos past her prime? Can money bring back her youth?

The reflection in the window glass showed my own slightly drawn, exhausted face.

Kaia nudged me. Sister, youre older than me, but you still have potential. We have a connection, so let me give you some advice. Women need to invest in fillers and skincare. Your skin looks a little dry. I bet your husband isn't interested in you much anymore, is he?

I simply stared at her. Her skin was flawless, taut. I used to look like that. Maybe even better. Ten years of poverty and hard work in rented apartmentswhen I see old photos, I barely recognize myself.

Skincare... is expensive.

So what? Kaia shrugged. My Daddy gives me a $50,000 monthly allowance, and he covers all my beauty treatments.

I watched the way her perfectly winged eyeliner caught the light, a tiny shard of glitter fixed at the corner. My hands were shaking.

How long have you been his... trophy?

Since June 12th, 2023. Why?

My trembling intensified.

June 12th, 2023.

The day my mother died.

My mother needed 150,000 for surgery. I remembered Cameron begging everyone. He gathered all his savings, all his earnings, scraping together 100,000. It was everything he had. I found eight thousand more. It wasnt enough.

My mother was gone.

He held me, tears pouring down his face. I failed you, Grace. Im a bastard. I couldnt even earn enough for your mothers medicine! You suffer so much being with me

My heart was a raw wound, but I wiped his tears away. You did your best. Mom knew it. I know it. Im the one who couldnt find the rest of the $50,000.

His tears fell onto my hands. He gripped me tightly. Just wait. Just wait. I promise, we wont struggle like this anymore.

I nodded through my grief.

$50,000.

He could have gotten it.

Sister, you know what? That month, his wife's mother also needed $50,000 for her care. Kaia winked. He was going to give it to her.

I stopped breathing. Did he give it to you for your allowance instead?

No. Hes rich, $50,000 is nothing to him. I told him if her mother died, the wife would be totally alone, without any family. Then, even if she found out about me, she wouldn't dare leave him.

My teeth were about to shatter.

Plus, I really had my eye on a new Chanel that month. It was exactly $50,000.

I glared at her. Aren't you afraid his wife will find out what you did?

Please. Im smarter than that. Kaia laughed. I told him to give his wife 0-000,000to pretend it was every penny he had. That way, she'd think her husband tried his best and she'd never look into his bank accounts!

Her face soured momentarily. The only thing that sucked was his reason for agreeing to it. He said it was because he wanted to prevent the old woman from leaving him if she ever discovered me. Ugh. Shes luckier than she knows.

SMACK!

A stinging slap landed unexpectedly across Kaia's face. Her drink overturned.

A flight attendant rushed over to clean the mess. Kaia was furious. Are you insane! What the hell was that for!

That, I spat, is for being a brazen home-wrecker!

The flight attendants hurried to separate us, moving Kaia to an empty seat farther down the row, soothing her with soft voices.

Kaia finally settled, drying her hands with a napkin from the flight attendant, and looked at me with pure contempt. I hate sanctimonious busybodies like you. Always harping on about mistresses. Honestly... She scoffed. It just means youre old and you cant hook a man anymore. Back in your prime, you would have begged for this life!

You The flight attendant grabbed my arm, stopping me from lunging. I bit down on my retort and sank back into my seat. I didn't want to cause trouble for the crew.

Kaia eyed me again. Im telling you the truth. Youre past your expiration date. Your husband is definitely cheating on you, too. Go home and check his phone. A woman like you... men dont want to come home to.

SPLASH!

The new drink the flight attendant had just given me sailed through the air and hit Kaia full in the face. She shrieked.

Attendants rushed between us again. The Purser approached me, smiling apologetically. Ms. Jones, this woman is a valuable client of ours. Please, calm down. May I get you some fruit?

Valuable client? I hissed.

The Purser leaned in, lowering her voice. She is with Mr. Coleman, the new CEO. Im advising you for your own good, Ms. Jones. Mr. Coleman is very protective of her.

I laughed, a bitter, broken sound.

The plane landed at the connecting airport. Neither of us was disembarking yet. I switched off airplane mode.

I sent a text to Cameron: Where are you?

He replied instantly with a photo of himself at a desk: Earning money for my wife.

For me, or for someone else?

No reply. I sent a question mark.

The familiar voice came from Kaia's direction a moment later. You got juice thrown on you? Who would dare do that to my Sweetheart?

Some old woman! Its your fault! If you were here, she wouldnt have touched me! You ruined my trip!

Okay, okay... Daddys fault.

[Zelle Transfer: $50,000] Kaias phone chimed with the automated voice notification.

Camerons voice was warm. Go buy some little things you love.

I gripped my armrests.

Kaias scowl vanished, replaced by a pout. Hmph! No use. You said you missed me and wanted to spend New Years with me! I wouldnt have been on this flight if it werent for that lunatic! No amount of money will fix this!

Cameron didnt sound annoyed. He sounded amused. And what about the new villa Daddy bought you?

Kaias eyes widened slightly.

My Sweetheart smiled. Are you happy now?

No, I am not! She pouted again. But... fine. Ill give you a chance. Only because I love you.

Good. Daddy will make it up to you tonight, okay?

Three hours. Not a second less!

The whole night, if you want.

My body shook violently beneath my dress. I thought of our last few visits after hed been transferred to the city. We barely went beyond hugging and kissing. Every time I tried to initiate sex, he would sigh.

Im too stressed from work. Let me recuperate, okay?

And hed leave before he had the chance.

Kaia blew a kiss to the camera and ended the video call.

It was then that Camerons text came through.

Wife, why dont you trust me? Are you sad I have to work through New Years?

When I get back, Ill take you to that little rotating hot pot place you love, okay?

The plane started its taxi toward the runway. A flight attendant approached Kaias new seat with a black, embossed box.

Ms. Rhodes, this is a gift a gentleman asked us to deliver to you.

Oh! A Prada necklace! How did he know I wanted this one?

The attendant smiled and handed her a card. Mr. Coleman also asked us to relay a message: He hopes Ms. Rhodes won't be troubled by any noise, that you remain brave and true to yourself, and that you regard all obstacles as nothing. Mr. Coleman will always stand behind you, and he will always love you.

I closed my eyes, staring at Camerons text about the cheap hot pot place.

Ms. Jones, this diamond is from Mr. Coleman for you.

The Purser handed me a loose stone.

I frowned. For me?

The Purser nodded. Mr. Coleman knows you and Ms. Rhodes had an unpleasant exchange. He said Ms. Rhodes has high blood pressure and the doctor said she mustn't get upset. So, Ms. Jones, Mr. Coleman asks that you apologize to Ms. Rhodes. A sincere apology.

I looked at the diamond and laugheda sound utterly devoid of humor. Just an apology? Isnt this a bit much?

Ha ha, dont worry about the cost. Mr. Coleman can earn several of these in a single day.

A diamond that cost six figures. He could earn several a day?

I rolled the small stone between my fingers. I smiled. A stranger was getting more than I ever did.

I nodded. Fine. An apology it is.

Ms. Rhodes, Mr. Coleman has sent her to apologize to you!

I bowed slightly. Im sorry for striking you. Please forgive me, Ms. Rhodes.

Oh, I will. Kaia rose from her seat. Let me slap you twice, and Ill forgive you.

The Purser quickly interjected. Ms. Rhodes, she is older than you. Please be the bigger person and dont stoop to her level.

So what if she's older? Kaias smile was vicious. This face is already a lost cause anyway. A few slaps wont make a differenceno man will like her either way. Ill slap her, she gets a diamond, and she should be grateful.

An attendant tugged my sleeve. Ma'am, maybe just let her. The whole thing will be over. She is Mr. Coleman's guest.

Yes, Ms. Jones. Its a six-figure diamond. Its not a loss for you.

Six figures. I would have to struggle and save for a decade to get that much. This tiny stone could buy ten years of my life.

I twisted the diamond one last time.

CLATTER.

I tossed it onto Kaias tray table. It rolled and dropped to the floor.

I dont want it.

SMACK!

A slap landed hard on my cheek. Kaia hadnt hesitated. How dare you refuse my charity? The blow was fully intended to hurt. I staggered back two steps. An attendant rushed to steady me.

Ms. Jones, let it go. Ms. Rhodes has always been volatile.

Well find the diamond for you, maam.

SMACK!

My hand whipped out, catching Kaia across the face with devastating force. She crumpled back into her seat.

You... You hit me back!

You bet your ass I did!

I moved to strike her again, but the flight crew intervened, pulling us apart.

For the rest of the flight, we were monitored closely by the cabin crew.

The plane landed. Kaia, red-eyed and enraged, was the first one off the aircraft. I watched her hurry through the jet bridge and rush through the exit.

She collapsed into a mans embrace. Her face was still blotchy from the slap.

What happened? Camerons eyes held more panic than they had on the day of my miscarriage. Did she hit you again?

She did! And its your fault! That cheap diamond only made her bolder! Nobody has ever dared to hit me before, boo-hoo! Kaia was an expert crier. No man could resist that sound.

Where is she? Ill go talk to her.

Right here.

I stepped out of the jet bridge. Camerons body went rigid. I lifted the brim of my cap.

Hello, Mr. Coleman.