Revenge Is Best Served with Spite

Michael sat down at his laptop. This time, he was determined to go through with it. Unlike all the other times before, he now had someone to share his life with. Someone with whom he could find the happiness that he had been seeking for many years.

It had always been like this. Something had changed several years ago, and he did not know what it was. It had a profound effect on his marriage to Lucilia. Something that could not be repaired. They had grown further and further apart.

It didn’t matter anymore; he justified it to himself. After she got his letter, she would know that it had come to a head. She would not be happy that he was in a relationship with her sister.

Sometimes, you can’t always pick who loves you and who you love. This was one of those times. Toni had been there when he needed support, and their relationship had grown from that point. She didn’t have a good relationship with her sister, but she knew her well. She had provided me with comfort and, well, the rest is history.

He knew he was taking the coward’s way out, just leaving the letter that she would get when she got home. It was the last Saturday when her boss called him to say that she had quit her job and was not coming back. She had not talked to him about it. He was so pissed.

He started tapping away at his keyboard. Each letter he typed, he hit with venom, with spite for what he perceived to be the hardship she had caused.

Dear Lucilia,

I am writing to tell you that I can no longer take this, and our marriage is over. Over the last couple of years, we have drifted apart. You no longer show any interest in anything that I do or say.

Even when I make your favourite meals, you quickly eat and rush to your silly reality shows. Sometimes, you even say you aren't hungry and just walk away. You don’t even notice when I have a new haircut or get new clothes.

Let’s not even get onto the subject of sex. You have barely kissed me in the last six months, and I don’t remember the last time that you told me you loved me. There is nothing left of our marriage, and it is best if we go our separate ways. I need more.

The final straw was when I got a call from your boss today asking me if I knew why you had quit your job. I suppose now you expect me to pay for all your new dresses and other stuff that you enjoy spending money on. I will get a settlement and let you know through my lawyer.

Either you have been cheating on me or simply do not love or even like me, so either way, it is for the best.

Have a nice life.

Michael

P.S. Don’t try to contact me; my mind is made up, and I am moving interstate to start a new life with someone who cares about me. Two can play at that game!

Michael gathered the rest of his things and put them in the back of his car. He went back into the house one final time and left his note on the kitchen table, along with his keys. As he slammed the door shut, he felt a sense of relief and drove off.

*****

Three weeks had passed before Michael had any response from Lucilia. When it came, it was text.

How else?

As far as he knew, she didn’t know where he was.

He opened it with hesitation.

Michael,

I was thrilled to come home and find your note. It saved me the trouble of telling you that after seven years, I was done; I had had enough.

Sorry, it has been a few weeks. I came home, packed up some stuff, and went to the Maldives for two weeks—absolute magic. I resigned from my job because I won the lotto, $4 million.

Yes, my dear, I rushed to watch my shows. It was better than looking at your tired face or listening to your complaints.

I didn’t comment on your hair or your new clothes. Honestly, your haircuts look like someone put a bowl on your head and just cut around it. As for your new clothes, they are boring, just like you.

You must have gotten me confused with my sister; she is the one who likes pork spare ribs and steak. I hate them both, which is why I either forced them down without gagging or left them, as if I were not hungry.

While I was away, I met this lovely guy, four years younger than me. He lit fires I didn’t know existed. So I am sure to say that your references to sex must be your failing. I have had so much sex in the last two weeks that I can hardly walk.

We are off next week for a three-week cruise on his yacht.

Don't stress about a settlement. You have nothing I want. My lawyer says your letter means you won't get anything from me. So, it all worked out well.

Have a nice life, loser!

Your wealthy and happy ex-wife.

PS. I am not sure if Toni had mentioned it to you (yes, I know all about your little affair), but she was originally Tony. Hope that is not a problem for you.

Michael put his hands on his head.

“Bitch!” was the only word he could think of.

Till next time,

Calvin