“M-mom,” Oliver stammered.
“It’s not a big deal. Jess is great at budgeting. She always makes things work.”
“Oliver, are you serious?” his sister chimed in.
“You spent thousands on a football trip and left Jessica with $100 for Christmas? What were you thinking?”
I let them talk, watching as Oliver squirmed under their scrutiny. Finally, I reached for the envelope I’d found in the drawer and pulled out the note.
“This,” I said, holding it up, “is what he left me.
‘Make it work,’ he said.”
The room erupted in murmurs. My mother shot me a sympathetic look, while my father shook his head in disapproval.
Oliver’s family wasn’t as kind. His mother scolded him, his sister berated him, and even his father, who was usually quiet, told him he should be ashamed.
Oliver just sat there, staring at the table.
“Jess,” he started.
“you could have just told me—”
“Oh, I did,” I interrupted. “I told you $100 wasn’t enough. But you insisted.
So, I followed your instructions and made it work. That’s what you wanted, right?”
Then, with all eyes on me, I pulled out a second envelope from my pocket and placed it on the table.
“And since we’re putting everything on the table,” I said, “here are the divorce papers. I can’t do this anymore, Oliver.
I won’t keep bending over backward while you prioritize yourself over this family.”
“You’re joking, right?” Oliver asked weakly.
“I’m not,” I replied, standing up. “I’ve spent years trying to make it work with you. Now, I’m done.”
Oliver looked at me like I’d committed a crime.
“Jess, please,” he said.
“I’ll do better. I promise. I’ll change.
Just… just please don’t do this.”
I looked at him, my heart aching for what could have been if he’d cared enough to try sooner. But I’d heard these promises before, and I knew better than to believe them now.
“It’s too late, Oliver,” I shook my head. “You’ve had years to do better, and you chose not to.
I’m done waiting for you to change.”
As I walked out of the dining room, his voice followed me, pleading for another chance. But for the first time in years, I didn’t feel weighed down by his words.
This Christmas wasn’t just the end of a chapter. It was the beginning of a life where I’d finally put myself and my kids first.
I don’t know what fate has in store for me, but I know it will definitely be better than what I’ve been through.
Source: amomama
