A few days later, he returned from his trip.
“The match was incredible!” he gushed as he set his bags down. “Best experience of my life.”
“That’s great,” I replied. “I hope you’re ready for Christmas.
I’ve been working hard to make everything perfect.”
“Of course,” he said with a grin. “Let me know how I can help.”
For once, he actually pitched in. He helped set the table, arrange chairs, and even put up the decorations.
On Christmas Day, the house was buzzing with guests. The kids were thrilled to see their grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and everyone gathered in the living room, chatting and exchanging stories. Oliver looked proud, as though this was all his doing.
When it was time for dinner, everyone moved to the table. Plates and utensils clinked as they settled in, ready for the feast. Oliver gave me a wink.
“You really pulled it off, Jess,” he whispered.
“I knew you could do it.”
I smiled back sweetly. “Wait until you see.”
Soon, I brought out the food. All I had prepared was a small platter of turkey, a modest bowl of stuffing, a handful of rolls, and a single can of cranberry sauce spooned into a dish.
I had placed the pies on the side, still in their frozen containers. ‘Shocked’ isn’t the appropriate word to describe what the guests felt. Everyone just stared at the table with wide eyes.
My mother-in-law was the one to break the silence. “Jessica,” she said slowly, “is this… is this all?”
“Yes,” I replied, keeping my voice cheerful. “This is what Oliver’s budget allowed.
He gave me $100 and told me to make it work.”
His mother turned to him. “You did what?”
“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
