After years trapped in a toxic marriage dominated by Mike’s obsession with appearances, Nicole surprised him by agreeing to hand over everything in their divorce—the house, car, and money. Thinking he’d won, Mike didn’t notice the sly smile on her face, a hint of a plan he hadn’t anticipated.

Leaving the lawyer’s office, Nicole kept up the defeated act. But once she was alone in the elevator, she broke into laughter—her real plan was in motion. Mike could keep his precious possessions; she had something better in mind.

Weeks before, when Mike demanded the divorce, Nicole didn’t protest, letting him believe she didn’t care. What he overlooked was a contract her mother, Barbara, had signed on the house, giving her the right to live there indefinitely.

The day after his move-in, a furious call from Mike broke Nicole’s morning calm. She sipped her coffee, amused as Barbara gave him a piece of her mind in the background.

For Nicole, freedom had never felt so satisfying.