Nicole stepped out of the lawyer’s office on a rainy afternoon, her expression blank, her shoulders drooped, looking every bit the defeated ex-wife. But inside, she was buzzing with excitement. She headed toward the elevator, and as soon as the doors closed, she couldn’t help herself — a giggle slipped out. She stifled it, trying to keep her cool, but it was no use. The more she thought about what had just happened, the more she laughed until she was practically cackling.

Mike, her soon-to-be ex-husband, thought he’d won everything in the divorce. He’d claimed the house, the car, and the savings. To him, victory was in the material things, and he’d strutted through negotiations as though he’d pulled off the deal of the century. What he didn’t know was that Nicole had set him up perfectly, orchestrating every detail to give him exactly what he wanted — and exactly what he deserved.

A few weeks earlier, things had come to a head. Nicole had known for a long time that her marriage was doomed. Mike’s obsession with appearances, money, and status had sucked the joy out of their life together. He’d been more focused on owning the biggest house, driving the flashiest car, and buying the latest designer clothes than he was on their relationship. For him, marriage was a performance, and he needed to look like the star. She had played along for years, watching the man she once loved turn into someone unrecognizable.

Then came the night he announced he wanted a divorce. He stormed into the kitchen and slammed his keys onto the counter, declaring, “I’m done. I want out.” Nicole blinked, pretending to be surprised, but she had been ready for this moment.