The next morning, I called my lawyer.
Mark and I had been married for seven years. Seven years of me sacrificing my career growth, my confidence, and even my health to keep the peace. His mother had always treated me like a servant, and Mark never once defended me.
But now? I was done.
When Mark came home the next evening, red-eyed and furious, I was packing my suitcase.
“You embarrassed me in front of everyone!” he yelled. “You made a fool of me!”
I zipped my suitcase calmly. “You did that yourself, Mark. I just returned the favor.”
He laughed bitterly. “You think anyone will take you seriously after that little stunt?”
I looked him straight in the eyes. “Actually, yes. Because for once, I stood up for myself.”
He didn’t expect that. His anger faltered.
“Emily, come on,” he said after a moment. “You know how Mom gets. You shouldn’t take her jokes so seriously.”
“Jokes don’t leave scars,” I said quietly. “Cruelty does.”
