They say retribution is best served cold, but when my ex-husband’s new wife contacted me, I was drawn into desperation and secrets. I believed I’d moved on from my past, but her request for help reopened wounds and led me down an unexpected path.
Five years ago, my life was upended abruptly. I married Kevin, a charming and accomplished businessman. I thought everything was fine until he texted me instead of his mistress.
The text devastated my world. It stated “I hate her, Jess.” I despise Bridget to the core. Not even a baby from her.”
Yes, he meant me. He knew I was infertile before we married. As I repeated those words, my face drained blood. My lover cheated on me and resented me for something out of my control.
I couldn’t forgive him, so we broke up. Kevin owned a corporation, three commercial buildings, and a lake house when we divorced.
The settlement gave me half of everything, including the condo and lake house. In addition, I became a silent partner in his company and received returns twice a year.
He presumably thought it would relieve his guilt. Despite not needing to work, I loved my career.
He married Jessica, his cheating partner, soon after. I ignored their news to move on. Up until a month ago. I received an unexpected message one evening.
“Hi. It’s Jess. Kevin’s new wife. Need your help. I beg. Please respond. Only you can save me.”
I watched my phone, heart thumping. I responded because her communications were frantic.
“What do you want?” Typed back.
Please meet me. Tomorrow. Stevens Point 2 p.m. Kevin can’t know “she responded quickly.
The next day, I sat in a quiet Stevens Point corner, curious and uncomfortable. Jess entered, pale and drawn. She ran over to me, nervously looking about.
“Thank you for coming, Bridget,” she murmured, sitting swiftly. “I didn’t know who else to turn to.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, trying to speak clearly.
She inhaled deeply. “I’m pregnant with Kevin’s baby.”
I raised my eyebrows, astonished but not shocked. “And?”
She cried. Kevin doesn’t want the child. He ordered me to remove it. “He can’t afford a child because the divorce cost too much.”
My rage and pity surged. This girl, who had ruined my marriage, was seated in front of me, desperate and afraid.
“I’m sorry, but what do you expect me to do about it?” I asked, confused.
“Please, I’m begging you,” she wailed. “He may reconsider if you return some of the divorce settlement money. What else can I do?”
Shocked. I never expected this. “It’s complicated, Jessica. You may have forgotten that he left me for you.”
She stared at me, crying. “Please, Bridget. Help me.”
It was “I’ll think about it,” I said. “But I can’t promise anything.”
Nodding, Jess seemed relieved. “Thank you so much.”
My head was whirling when I left that eatery. I kept thinking as I drove home that Kevin was exploiting her like he had me for years.
She was unaware, and I couldn’t let her suffer like me. She hurt me, but I felt compelled to defend her. More importantly, I wanted to teach Kevin a lesson.
Next day, I called Jess.
“Hi, Bridget. I’ve been thinking about your predicament and wish to help.”
“Oh, thank you, Bridget!” she shouted, relieved over the phone.
In “but not the way you want me to,” I said. Kevin doesn’t love you, which will destroy your heart. He wouldn’t have asked you to get rid of the baby if he did. Jess, it’s his priorities, not money. If he’s making you pick, select wisely.”
Bridget, I… Jess broke down in cries, “I don’t know what to say.” But you’re right. I won’t let anything harm my baby. Please describe your idea.”
“Perfect. I suggest moving into my lake house while we figure things out. Safe, and Kevin won’t know where you are.”
She paused. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I said. This is the best approach to protect you and the baby. You may trust me.”
She consented after much thought. Okay, I’ll do it. Bridget, many thanks.”
A few days later, Jess moved into the lake house. I felt strange seeing her, but I knew it was correct.
After she was comfortable, I told my lawyer, Mr. Fields, my idea. “We must write Kevin a letter. Time to act serious.”
Mr. Fields nodded, smiling slightly. “Good plan. It will grab his attention.”
The letter stated:
Dear Kevin Michaelson,
I’m writing on behalf of my client, Jessica Sanders, about her status and future plans. This letter officially informs you:
Ms. Sanders has left the marital home and filed for divorce.
Contacting her directly will be deemed harassment and prosecuted immediately.
Please note that if you oppose the divorce or threaten or manipulate Ms. Sanders, we will have to report your requests to terminate her pregnancy to the public. Such activities will damage your personal and professional reputation.
Please evaluate the importance of this circumstance and collaborate fully to resolve it amicably.
Sincerely,
Richard Fields
Fields & Associates.
After several days, Kevin received the letter. Typical, he called me immediately, enraged.
“What the hell, Bridget? Where’s Jess? He roared into the phone, “Why are you involved?”
Breathing deeply, I kept my voice cool. I know everything, Kevin. Jess is safe. Your threats and manipulation no longer work.”
Silence followed by a deep growl. “You think you can just take her away from me?”
I won’t take her, Kevin. She’s leaving voluntarily. If you challenge the divorce or sue her, you know what will happen.”
He hung up after a long silence. I knew I rattled him, but it was just the start. Next, I targeted his pocketbook, which hurt the most.
I saw Mr. Fields again. “We need to initiate an audit of Kevin’s company,” I said. “I’ve suspected financial irregularities for a while, and it’s time we bring them to light.”
Mr. Fields nodded, his eyes showing determination. “We’ll get on it right away.”
The audit rocked Kevin’s business. His assets were blocked, and investors and partners took a negative view. Kevin called again, but in a different tone.
“Bridget, this has gone too far,” he pleaded. “You’re ruining me.”
I felt good but kept quiet. You caused this to yourself, Kevin. Maybe next time you’ll reconsider deceiving and hurting people.”
I helped Jess file for divorce and found her a terrific women’s rights lawyer. To rally women’s rights groups, we told her story of deception and control. Kevin’s reputation suffered when the media covered it.
I watched the sunset with Jess on the lake. “I can’t believe how much my life has changed in such a short time,” she added, sorrowful and relieved.
Saying, “You’re stronger than you know, Jess,” “And you’re doing the right thing for yourself and your baby.”
Kevin’s company’s audit reports arrived weeks later, showing substantial financial malfeasance. The news went viral, unraveling his life. His business was ruined, his reputation was ruined, and he faced a costly divorce.
Jess, however, found her footing and our friendship grew. She kept the baby, and I supported her throughout.
When we were in the living room, she looked to me with grateful eyes. Bridget, I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re my rock.”
I grinned, feeling warm for the first time. “We women have to stick together,” I add. “And sometimes, karma just needs a little push.”
Kevin discovered this the hard way. His business, reputation, and Jess control were gone. I felt closure and satisfaction in knowing justice was done.
Life has a funny way of repeating itself, and what goes around comes around.