I'm Done with You

1
It was three in the morning. I sat on the sofa, listening to the sound of a key turning in the lock.
Marcus pushed the door open, a rare smile on his face as he carefully placed a pink hair tie on the entryway table.
When he saw me, his brow furrowed instinctively before smoothing out again.
“Why are you still up? I told you not to wait for me when I’m working late.”
His voice faltered when he saw my lit-up phone screen.
It was a social media post from ten minutes ago. The author was his student, Nina.
“Let’s get a divorce.”
I never thought I would say those words to my husband on my 35th birthday.
He stopped in his tracks, then sank onto the sofa, rubbing his temples in frustration.
“Is this because I introduced her to my friends and I never introduced you?”
“You could say that,” I replied coldly.
A smirk played on his lips. “Fine by me. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Life won’t be easy for you and the baby in your belly once you’re on your own.”
I let out a cold laugh. If I didn’t even want him, what made him think I’d keep his child?
…
As I slid the divorce papers across the table, he chuckled.
“You’re serious about this? Over something so small?”
I nodded. “Yes. Over this one small thing.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow, his expression one of utter indifference. “Nicole, stop the act. You’ve been stuck to me like glue since you were in diapers. You really think you can live without me?”
He leaned back, his voice dripping with condescension. “I get that you’re trying to get my attention, but don’t overdo it. Threatening divorce every day is a bad habit.”
“I’m not kidding, Marcus. I’m serious.”
His face darkened. “Fine. Have it your way. Just don’t come crying back to me later.”
With that, he snatched a pen and signed his name with a flourish.
Before I could say another word, his phone rang with the custom ringtone he’d set exclusively for Nina.
Her sweet, gentle voice came through the speaker. “Professor Kane, our little kitten ran away. I’ve been looking for him everywhere. What if a big dog got him? I’m so scared.”
“It’s okay, Nina. Don’t be afraid. Stay right where you are, and don’t wander off. I’m on my way to help you find him.”
The man who was always so decisive and commanding was now speaking with a gentleness I had never heard. He grabbed his coat and headed for the door.
There was a time when he would at least glance my way, gauging my reaction. But my constant compromises had emboldened him. Now, he felt entitled to leave me for her without a second thought.
I sat on the sofa and watched him go, not saying a word.
Now that I had chosen to let go, I wouldn’t cling to him anymore.
I began to pack. The few things Marcus had ever given me, I left behind. The many things I had given him, I listed on eBay.
Around noon, Marcus returned with Nina and her cat.
Years ago, before we were married, Marcus had forced me to give my own cat away, claiming it was dirty. Now, he was cradling the cat he and Nina had adopted together, unable to put it down.
“Why haven’t you cooked?” he demanded, seeing me eating takeout by myself.
“I’m your ex-wife now. Am I supposed to cook for you and your new girlfriend?”
Marcus’s temper flared, but Nina gently tugged on his sleeve, and he visibly reined it in.
“Nicole, please don’t misunderstand the professor and me,” she said, her voice soft. “It’s my first time in this city for college, and I often don’t know who to turn to for help. He’s just a very kind person.”
She looked at me, her eyes pleading. “I really don’t want to cause any trouble between you two. He cares about you a lot.”
I put down my fork and gave her a cold smile. “You don’t want to cause trouble, so you have your professor use his family privileges to get you a special apartment. You don’t want to cause trouble, so you have him abandon his wife to drive you to and from school every day. You don’t want to cause trouble, so you drank from the same glass with him at the freshman welcome party in front of everyone?”
My voice dripped with sarcasm. “Nina, as Mrs. Kane, I should really thank you for being so very, very thoughtful.”
My words made her burst into tears. “I’m… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Marcus immediately pulled her behind him, shielding her.
“Nicole, stop looking at everyone with those bitter, accusatory eyes,” he spat. “You have a dirty mind, so you see dirt everywhere.”
He turned his back on me and started cooing at the sobbing Nina, not sparing me another glance.
This drama had been on repeat ever since she appeared. I was just so tired of it.
I grabbed my bag and walked out. I had an appointment at the hospital.

2
The moment I arrived at the clinic, my mother-in-law called.
It was always like this. Whenever we fought, Marcus couldn't be bothered to deal with me, so he’d pass me off to his mother.
“Nicole, fighting with Marcus again? Honey, let me give you some advice. A woman shouldn’t be so dramatic. Men like a gentle touch.”
Her words were casual, dismissive. It was clear she didn’t take me seriously. In her eyes, I was pregnant with Marcus’s child; no other man would want me if we divorced.
She already knew about Marcus and Nina. In fact, Nina’s name for her had progressed from Mrs. Kane, to godmother, and now, she just called her “Mom.” And my mother-in-law was perfectly fine with it. In her mind, the fact that her son could keep two women happy was a sign of his charm and ability.
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” I said calmly. “If he and Nina are truly in love, then I’ll step aside.”
She wasn’t the least bit flustered that I knew. She was confident I was just throwing another tantrum for attention.
“Nicole, dear, men have to play the part sometimes when they’re out in the world. As his wife, you should be more understanding, not add to his stress over trivial things. You’re the lady of this house. No one can take your place. Besides, you’re carrying his child. Who would want you if you left him now?”
Her tone was thick with contempt.
“Mrs. Kane,” I replied coldly, “this isn’t the 19th century. Are you still thinking in terms of first wives and second wives?”
I hung up and was about to walk into the pre-arranged abortion clinic when I saw my mother helping my college-aged sister, Sophie, who was waiting in the same line.
I rushed over. The moment they saw me, they both started to cry.
“Nicole, I know things are hard for you with your in-laws, and I didn’t want to bother you, but I just don’t know what else to do,” my mother sobbed.
“Mom, calm down. Tell me what happened.”
“Your sister… her boss assaulted her on a business trip. Now he’s denying it, saying she was willing. She’s pregnant, and he won’t even admit it’s his, claiming she slept around. Nicole, Marcus is a brilliant lawyer. Can you please ask him to represent her?”
The news hit me so hard I couldn’t speak.
My mother, thinking I was hesitant, quickly backtracked. “I’m sorry, Nicole. I know Marcus is a man of principle. I shouldn’t have asked. We’ll find another way.”
“No, Mom, don’t say that. I understand. I’ll figure something out.”
Twenty minutes later, I was at the private law firm Marcus ran off-campus. The waiting room was packed, as usual. Marcus was a top attorney.
I took a number and sat down like everyone else. It was his rule. Even as his wife, I had to follow procedure during work hours. No special treatment.
As I was calculating how long the wait would be, a familiar, slender figure pushed through the crowd and walked straight to the door of Marcus’s office.
“Professor Kane,” Nina called softly, knocking gently. “I have something urgent I need to ask you about. Could I possibly…?”
Marcus immediately stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. He turned to the crowded waiting room and said flatly, “One moment. I have an emergency to handle.”
Murmurs of complaint rippled through the room.
“What the hell? She just cut the line.”
“I thought the great Marcus Kane was all about principles.”
“Yeah, everyone here has an emergency. That’s why we’re here!”
Marcus ignored them, his face impassive as he closed the door, shutting out all the resentful stares.
Even though I knew about his favoritism, seeing it in person made my heart sink. A place that was off-limits to me, his own wife, was a place a young student could enter at will.
So, the rules could be broken. I just wasn’t the one worthy of breaking them for.
The minutes ticked by. The door remained shut. The complaints grew louder.
An hour later, the door finally opened. Nina emerged, her earlier anxiety gone, replaced by a rosy-cheeked, joyful expression. When she saw me sitting in the waiting area, a smug look flashed across her face.
Marcus saw me then, too. Surprise flickered in his eyes for a second before he composed himself.
“Next,” he called out, his voice all business as he shut the door again.
I waited until the firm closed for the day, but my number was never called.
As Marcus was leaving, I ran after him.

3
Marcus, walking side-by-side with Nina, looked annoyed to see me.
“What are you doing here? Regret it already? Trying to win me back?”
I grabbed his arm. “Marcus, my sister was assaulted by her boss. She needs a lawyer. Can you please help? Can you represent her?”
He didn’t even hesitate. “I can’t. I have too many cases. I have to be responsible for all my clients.”
“Marcus, she’s my sister! Can’t you bend the rules just this once, for me?”
My hysteria didn’t faze him in the slightest. “Nicole, how many times have I told you? The most important thing for a lawyer is to respect the rules. No matter how urgent, you have to follow procedure. Come back tomorrow, get a number early, and when it’s your turn, I’ll see you.”
He turned to leave with Nina. In my desperation, I dropped to my knees.
Ignoring the scornful looks from Nina and the remaining staff, I begged him. “Marcus, please. She’s my only sister. She’s severely depressed. If she loses this case, I don’t know what will happen.”
He leaned down, a cold smirk on his face. “Weren’t you so high and mighty this morning, talking about how you didn’t want to be Mrs. Kane anymore? Why are you asking for special treatment now?” His voice dropped to a cruel whisper. “You’re not just using your sister’s situation to manipulate me, are you?”
My hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms. “Marcus, this is the last time I will ever ask you for anything.”
Seeing the desperation in my eyes, his expression softened for a fraction of a second.
But then Nina wrapped her arms around his and pouted. “Professor, if you take my case and her sister’s case at the same time, won’t you be too tired? It would break my heart. Maybe… maybe I should find another lawyer for my case.”
That was all it took. Marcus straightened up, his voice turning to steel. “If you can’t get an appointment, find another firm.”
Watching him walk away, my last shred of hope for him died.
I stumbled out of the firm and called my mother, telling her I would find another lawyer. She wasn’t surprised. Instead, she asked, “I heard you and Marcus are getting a divorce. You’ve loved him your whole life, Nicole. Can you really let him go?”
Could I?
That night, I lay in bed, her question echoing in my mind.
Could I really let him go?
I’d known Marcus since we were five. Girls were always chasing after him, but he was picky. None of them ever caught his eye. I was the only girl he ever kept by his side.
Back then, I thought I was special to him.
When I forgot my homework, he’d toss his at me and say gruffly, “Hurry up and copy. I’m not waiting for you if you get detention.”
After his basketball games, he’d only ever take the water bottle I offered him.
When another boy tried to ask me out, he’d walk right up to him and say, “Get lost. She’s my sidekick.”
Our marriage was the result of an accident.

4
When Marcus was thirty-three, he was in a serious car crash. The doctors said he would likely never walk again.
His mother, terrified that no woman would marry him now, saw her chance. I had foolishly waited for him, still single at thirty. And so, I became the most “suitable” choice.
After the wedding, I cared for him tirelessly, and miraculously, he made a full recovery.
At first, both he and his mother were grateful. He told me, “I’ll be good to you for the rest of my life.”
And he was. He fulfilled his duties as a husband.
If I asked him to pick up a cake on his way home, he would, but it was never the flavor I wanted.
If I asked for a ride to work on a rainy day, he’d give me one, but he’d always drop me off a block away, leaving me to run through the downpour without an umbrella.
Even our intimacy, which happened maybe twice a year, felt like a chore he was dutifully checking off a list.
When I complained to my friends, they told me that’s just how long-term couples are, that I was being overly sensitive.
I believed them, until Nina appeared.
Only then did I see what Marcus was like when he was truly in love.
He would carry a girl on his back across campus just so she wouldn’t get her shoes wet in the rain.
He would research the trendiest internet cafes just because she called him old-fashioned.
And on countless nights, I saw him alone, staring at her picture.
“Suitable.” That’s the word he used to describe me, time and time again after we were married.
He never once said he loved me.
I had drafted the divorce papers over and over, but I could never bring myself to give them to him. Not until I saw that photo on his social media: him, Nina, and all his best friends, smiling together.
That’s when I finally understood. To him, I was a dirty secret. In the twenty-three years he’d known me, he had never once thought I was worthy of being introduced to his friends. But he’d known Nina for a month, and he had already shown her off to everyone in his life.
If I was so insignificant to him, how could I ever expect him to fight for my family?
After a long, sleepless night, I went to the clinic first thing in the morning and had the abortion. Then I accepted a work assignment that would take me abroad. As soon as the court case was over, I would take my mother and leave this city for good.
But then, more bad news.
Every lawyer I contacted refused to take my sister’s case.
Worse, an unedited, graphic video of Sophie’s assault began to circulate online. Vicious online trolls analyzed it frame by frame, branding my sister a slut who had tried to sleep her way to a promotion and was now crying foul.
Then, a picture of my divorce certificate was leaked.
The public narrative shifted. I was the crazy ex-wife, harassing my former husband and his new love. Nina, meanwhile, started live-streaming, playing the victim. She gained a massive following and made a fortune from their sympathy.
My sister and I were labeled the “homewrecker sisters.” Sophie’s mental state deteriorated rapidly. My mother had to watch her twenty-four hours a day to keep her from harming herself.
But Nina wasn't finished. She came to our door to gloat.
“Nicole, oh, I’m sorry, I should say ex-wife. Have you learned your lesson? This is what happens when you try to take my man.”
She looked my sister up and down with disgust. “A used-up piece of trash like her… how can she still stand to be alive?”
Sophie, already on the brink, let out a piercing scream. The barely-healed scars on her wrists split open again. Her eyes, swollen from constant crying, were now empty of tears, filled only with despair. My mother struggled to restrain her.
Shaking with rage, I grabbed a kitchen knife and lunged at Nina.
At the last second, a strong hand caught my wrist.
Nina shrieked and threw herself into the arms of Marcus, who had just arrived. Her arrogant demeanor vanished, replaced by hiccupping sobs.
“Professor, I just came to comfort Nicole, and… and she tried to kill me! I’m so scared!”
Marcus threw the knife to the floor and wrapped his arms around her, his eyes flashing with fury as he looked at me.
“Nicole, I’m warning you. If you ever harm a single hair on Nina’s head, I will make you disappear without a trace.”
I knew he meant it. I knew, as a lawyer, he had the power to do it.
But he forgot one thing. I had already been pushed to the edge. Death was no threat to me.
I stormed into the bathroom, grabbed a basin of dirty water, and threw it on the two of them.
“And I’m warning you, Marcus,” I snarled. “If you two ever show your faces here again, I swear to God, I’ll take you both down with me.”
After they left, I managed to find a young, unknown lawyer who was desperate to make a name for himself. He agreed to take the case.
On the day of the trial, I arrived early.
And I saw Nina and her brother sitting with the opposing counsel.
The man who had assaulted my sister was Nina’s brother.
A moment later, Marcus walked in and took his place beside Nina, not as a spectator, but as the lead defense attorney for her brother. He was standing against me.
At the same time, my phone rang. It was my mother.
Sophie was on the roof of the courthouse.
Seeing the panic on my face, Nina smiled and sent me a video.
In it, her brother was assaulting my sister a second time.

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