When I Quit As Top Lawyer, My Husband’s Company Collapsed

On the eve of the annual firm gala, my husband, David, promised me, the firm's top attorney, a surprise. The very next day, however, he publicly increased the marketing manager's bonus fivefold. For me, there was only a dismissive keep up the good work next year. When I questioned this, David just shrugged.

Youre a good lawyer, sure, but without Penelopes marketing, you wouldnt be our top earner. Besides, were a team, whats mine is yours. Why quibble over a little bonus?

Everyone waited for the fireworks, but I didn't make a scene. I remained silent until the gala ended. The next day, I personally placed my resignation letter on Davids desk.

Just add my salary to Penelopes too, consider it my wedding gift to you both.

David was furious, calling me petty and cursing that Id be begging on the streets without him. But he forgot, a seasoned attorney like me, with my track record? Top-tier firms would be lining up to hire me!

I dont want to talk about this anymore!

David unknotted his tie and flung his blazer onto the sofa, his face a mask of cold refusal. I rubbed my temples, utterly drained. The moment wed walked through the door after work, David and I had been locked in a bitter argument about the firms annual gala. I couldnt grasp why he was downplaying my achievements, nor why he was so determined to inflate the significance of Penelope, a newcomer whod barely been with us. David, on the other hand, simply thought I was petty, squabbling with Penelope over a few paltry perks. The argument spiraled, neither of us willing to concede, and a thick, icy silence settled between us.

Suddenly, Davids phone buzzed with a notification. He pulled it out, a flicker of impatience crossing his face. Theres an urgent client meeting at the firm. Sabrina, Im not going to argue with you about this. Get your act together, and dont forget to send me tomorrows case analysis. If you keep being so small-minded, theres nothing I can do. Five years of marriage, and all you care about is money? Youre a huge disappointment.

Im small-minded? A wave of helplessness washed over me. David always deflected during arguments, never addressing the core issue. Every time Penelope came up, it was a slew of excuses about how busy he was. Most often, hed just accuse me of being overly materialistic, reminding me we were married and shouldnt nitpick over finances.

For the next few minutes, I said nothing. David, having been at the office all day, took a shower before changing into fresh clothes in the bedroom. We remained silent, locked in a cold war. But life couldnt go on like this. Someone had to break.

Dar

After a moments thought, I was about to reach out, to make the first move, when I caught a strange sight. David was furtively stuffing something into his suit trousers. I took a closer step and gaspedit was a pair of black stockings! And I certainly didnt own any like that

The word Id been about to utter caught in my throat, impossible to say, impossible to swallow. My heart plummeted. I couldnt help but think of the changes in David over the past six months. Always working late, always on business trips, his patience with me worn thin. We hadnt been intimate in ages. In that moment, the realization hit me: he was cheating. I hesitated, an instinct to stop him, but then I paused. I suppressed the surge of anger, deciding that this might be my ticket out. Our marriage had long been an empty shell anyway. With that thought, I quietly slipped out of the bedroom and sat on the sofa, waiting.

David emerged a moment later, a hint of nervousness in his expression. Sabrina, did you just call me?

I looked up, feigning an innocent confusion. No.

Seeing no suspicion in my eyes, David visibly relaxed, his face once again hardening. I need to head back to the firm now. Well talk about the year-end bonus when I get back. I might not be home tonight.

He didnt wait for my reply, hurrying out the door. A few minutes later, calculating the time it would take him to drive out of the complex, I dressed, hailed a cab, and followed. From the moment he left our home, David wasnt heading toward the firm at all!

In the cab, a bitter laugh escaped me as I watched his car pull up to a hotel. I couldnt get into that hotel, but I could get into his car. I unlocked it, pulled up the dashcam playback, and heard David on the phone, calling a woman babe.

Hey, Penny? Are you there? Im almost there Its just Sabrina again. I dont know whats gotten into her these past few months, always looking for a fight.

I frowned, but Davids next words twisted the knife even deeper.

She doesnt even stop to think who made her what she is today. Now shes arguing with me over the year-end bonus? Shes completely out of line. Drives me crazy. I need my babes kiss

My blood boiled. It was Penelope on the phone. No wonder she was the firms top performer this year, her bonus five times mine. Looks like she had some overtime after work, too. David, how could you do this to me?

Six months ago, Penelopes arrival was already strange enough; parachuting into a team leader position fresh out of law school. Her capabilities were mediocre, yet David constantly funneled the best resources her way, much to the chagrin of other colleagues. Soon after, Penelope leveraged those resources to become Marketing Manager in just six months. Thats when my suspicions began to stir. David also lavished her with attention in her daily life. During client dinners and social events, I often couldnt even sit beside David, yet Penelope was always by his side.

I had voiced my protest, but David always brushed it off, claiming she was a junior from his university, and he was simply looking out for her. The past six months, every client dinner and business trip he insisted I didnt attend they were probably all spent with Penelope.

Finally, I returned home in a daze. Sitting on the sofa, I rubbed my face. Suspicion was one thing, but concrete discovery was another. I had truly loved David, and to witness and hear this firsthand it still hurt. The TV was playing a local news report about a child who killed for revenge for their mother. I had no interest in watching and eventually fell asleep on the sofa well past midnight. My dreams were a jumbled mess of my past with David. We met in the workplace after graduation. I was instantly drawn to Davids sharp, decisive work style and pursued him. After we got together, David opened a law firm just for me. I was so grateful for his faith in me, and I worked myself to the bone for the firm for six years. Later, David proposed, and both our families were thrilled. But I never imagined that now, with the firm thriving, even before our seven-year itch, he would already have strayed.

The chaotic dreams left me late for work the next day. David, without hesitation, publicly reprimanded me at the morning meeting in front of all the senior partners.

Sabrina! What is wrong with you? I said a few words yesterday, and now youre late today? Let me tell you, your perfect attendance for the month is gone! Reflect on yourself!

Facing the sympathetic or indifferent stares of everyone, I simply nodded, saying nothing. This, however, seemed to infuriate David, who interpreted it as defiance. After everyone else had left, he slumped into his bosss chair, arms crossed, and spoke to me coldly.

Sabrina, let me tell you, dont bring your home life into the office! Do you think because youre my wife you can give me attitude in front of everyone?! I always maintain a clear distinction between work and personal life with you!

Clear distinction between work and personal life

I savored those words, finding them utterly ludicrous. A clear distinction with me, yet last night in the car, he was calling Penelope babe and showering her with sweet nothings. My silence further fueled Davids sense of disrespect. He rose, slamming his hand on the table.

Sabrina! What are you doing? Are you completely out of line?!

Ignoring his roar, I turned and walked out of the office, straight down to HR, and submitted my resignation.

Sabrina are you sure you want to resign?

Positive.

The HR manager looked utterly astonished, asking me repeatedly. Though I hadn't publicly disclosed my relationship with David, over the years, colleagues had all pretty much figured it out. HR clearly didn't want to get involved in our domestic dispute, immediately showing a difficult expression and pushing back. This this is too big for me to decide, Sabrina. How about you go talk to Mr. Miller? See what he says first.

My position was considered a pillar of the firm; both officially and unofficially, David's signature was indeed required.

No need to ask, Liam. Just handle it by the book.

I spoke softly, my tone firm, not sounding like a hasty decision made in anger. Liam looked at me for a long moment, then just offered a wry smile and agreed, telling me to come back for the paperwork that afternoon.

No sooner had I left HR than David called me back to his office. Penelope was already there, flashing a fake smile when she saw me. Sabrina, youre here.

Perfect timing. Did you see the news yesterday about that child who killed for revenge for their mother? The case has landed with our firm. Penelope fought hard to get it for you, Sabrina. If you handle this well, you could make a big name for yourself.

David called me in, making a grudging gesture of goodwill, then imperiously entrusted me with a great responsibilityto defend the murderer from the news last night. I had read about the case this morning. As it stood, public opinion had already pushed it into a media frenzy. David was right; a good defense could bring fame. But all I saw was Penelopes ulterior motives. This kind of case was a hot potato. No matter how you defended it, youd end up being criticized. The law was cold and impartial, but morality often leaned on emotion. The outcome, good or bad, would impact my career. It was a no-win situation.

With that thought, I flatly refused.

I have several cases still ongoing. Adding a new one, I wont have time. I cant take it. Find someone else.

Sabrina, Ms. Kane, whats wrong? After a few years of success, youre too good for cases like this? You have an opportunity, and you wont even seize it. What are you thinking?

Davids face was mocking, his words incredibly harsh. Penelope, seeing this, feigned persuasion. Sabrina, if this case goes well, it will only benefit our firm. Please reconsider. Think about Mr. Miller and the firms long-term future.

Since this case came along, and I fought hard to get it, the firm needs someone to take it on, both emotionally and rationally. Right now, Sabrina, youre the most suitable person for this kind of case.

I frowned, ignoring her emotional blackmail. Just as I was about to speak, Davids phone rang.

Hello? Liam? What is it? Huh? Who? Whos resigning?!

David froze for a few seconds, his expression turning incredibly ugly in a few short sentences. He hung up and looked at me, utterly disbelieving.

Sabrina, youre resigning?! Just because I said a few words to you this morning?!

He stood up, yelling furiously at me, completely enraged. I remained outwardly calm, slowly leaning across the desk, a faint, cool smile playing on my lips.

David, not only am I resigning, Im divorcing you.

David met my gaze, completely stunned this time.

Sabrina, youre divorcing me just because of yesterdays year-end bonus and todays incident? Dont be ridiculous. Youre a professional woman, why are you playing these childish games? This is absurd!

David still couldn't believe it under my stare, but instinctively took a step back. Penelope, seeing my resolve, quickly flashed a hint of glee, then feigned concession and guilt.

Sabrina, calm down. How about this, Ill give you all of yesterdays year-end bonus. Dont ruin things with Mr. Miller over this. Divorce isnt something you decide on a whim

Her words only made things worse, prompting David to snap at me again, comparing me to Penelope. Sabrina, how can you be so shameless?! Letting a junior give you her money! All these years in the professional world, and youre less mature than her. How old are you, acting like a child?

Penelopes eyes held a hint of triumph at his words, but I remained cold. No matter how David tried to provoke me, I stood firm.

Stop, David, its pointless. My resignation and our divorce are final, no matter what anyone says.

David closed his eyes, suppressing his rage. Fine! Fine! Sabrina, youre going to be stubborn to the end, arent you? Alright! Ill give you back yesterdays year-end bonus! And Ill find you an opportunity for a promotion next year! Is that enough?! Are you satisfied?! Isnt this what you wanted?!

I dont want any year-end bonus, nor do I want a promotion. Im stating this one last time, David! Im resigning, and Im divorcing you!

A flash of anger tinged my refusal, and I slammed my hand down on the table, startling David. After a few more back-and-forths, Davids patience finally ran out. He stared at me for a long moment, then pointed to the door, roaring.

Sabrina! Dont push your luck here! Fine! Go if you want to! The firm will run just fine without you! What are you so proud of?!

That was all I needed to hear. Without another word, I walked out of the office, packed up my desk, and prepared to leave. David, hearing I was packing, stood in my office, huffing and puffing with rage, clearly not expecting me to have such guts. Colleagues whispered amongst themselves as they watched me go.

Is Sabrina leaving?

Oh, theyre fighting. She was upset about the year-end bonus yesterday, and then this morning they must have had a huge argument with Mr. Miller.

Arent they married? Could they be getting a divorce? Is it because of Penelope shes always around Mr. Miller.

My movements paused for a moment, and a bitter smile touched my lips. Even they could see the impropriety between David and Penelope, even vaguely guessing at my departure and divorce. Yet, David still thought I was just throwing a tantrum.

Finally, carrying a cardboard box, I walked out of the firm under Davids furious glare, without looking back.

Back home, I drafted the divorce papers, placed them on the coffee table, and gathered the belongings Id already packed. In these six years, I had done nothing to betray David. After he utterly broke my heart yesterday, I felt nothing now. With my suitcase in hand, I took one last look at the house, then shut the door decisively. With nowhere else to go for now, I headed to my friend Ashleys place.

Busy bee! Finally caught you! Get in! Tonight, its just us sisters, drinking till we drop!

Her family warmly welcomed me. Ashley, hearing everything, offered such care and expressed such indignation towards David, that it only solidified my conviction that leaving him was the right decision. But David wasn't about to let me go so easily. Later that night, he called, his opening words an accusation.

Sabrina! Whats with the divorce papers on the coffee table?