He Demanded 50/50 After Doubling His Pay—So I Gave Him Exactly What He Asked For
When James urged me to go part-time to raise our daughter, I agreed—but only in writing. That wasn’t surrender—it was stage one of my plan.
For years, I juggled housework, childcare, and part-time consulting while his career soared. Then one night, after getting a major promotion, James dropped a bomb: “We should split all expenses 50/50 now.”
I reminded him that he asked me to reduce hours. His answer? “You settled for less—not my fault.”
Fine, I told him—but only if we signed a notarized agreement.
Months later, James turned arrogant, exclusive, and dismissive. “You wouldn’t fit in at these events,” he sneered. That’s when I made one phone call—to Mike, his boss… and my old friend.
Two weeks later, James came home shattered. His job? Demoted. Salary? Slashed. Why? Because I withdrew the support I once gave him.
Then I dropped the final blow: “Mike offered me your job. I start next week.”
James stammered, “We can go back—”
“No. You wanted 50/50. Let’s keep it fair.”
We divorced. I rose. James sank. And our daughter? She’s watching closely.
Lesson?
Equality isn’t splitting bills—it’s sharing respect.
