Divorce is a tough road, no matter how troubled the marriage might have been. The struggles include dividing assets, potentially battling for child custody, and traversing a path filled with stress and emotional turmoil.

Barbra was in the kitchen, putting together dinner, when Mike, who was always concerned about his reputation, placed his car keys on the counter and said they needed to talk. Barbra anticipated this moment. It was no surprise to her that he was about to request a divorce, and just like that, her assumption was confirmed.

To Mike’s astonishment, Barbra agreed to the divorce right away.

He thought she would beg or break down in tears over his decision, but she held her emotions in check. No matter how tough or defeated she felt, she managed to appear calm and composed.

They exchanged few words in the following days until they sat across from each other in a drab conference room, each accompanied by their lawyers.

Mike began rattling off his demands: the house, the car, the bank accounts. It was as if he were listing items to buy at the store.

Listening silently, Barbra eventually told him he could have everything.

Her lawyer threw her a concerned glance, but Barbra reassured them it was alright. All she wanted were her personal belongings and a swift end to the marriage.

Mike, feeling victorious, chuckled and informed her she had the afternoon to collect her things and vacate ‘his’ house.

Exiting the room, Barbra stepped into the elevator, and finally let herself laugh. Though it might appear she’d lost her composure, she had a plan all along. Right as the elevator doors shut, she typed a quick message: “Mom, get ready for the grand finale.”

Barbra’s mother had never warmed to Mike. From their first meeting, she sensed he wasn’t suitable for her daughter. Their interactions were icy at best since she perceived he was self-centered, focused solely on his benefits.

When Barbra and Mike bought their house, it was with her mother’s financial aid. Mike thought he’d struck gold with the deal on the house, but little did he know she would be pivotal in his downfall.

After Barbra packed up and settled into a modest apartment nearby, she received a livid call from Mike. She put him on speaker, reclining to savor her toast and the sweetness of revenge. Mike was fuming because her mother had moved into ‘his’ house and refused to leave.

Barbra, smiling, reminded him of the agreement he’d signed years back when her mother provided the deposit. It clearly stated she could live in the house whenever she wished, for as long as she desired.

As Barbra reveled in her triumph, she overheard her mother instructing Mike to switch off the TV. Her mother, without a doubt, knew how to push his buttons.