After my ex, Tom, a cashier, divorced me and flaunted a sports car and designer clothes, I discovered he’d taken money meant for me. His smug act of tossing a $100 bill revealed his betrayal, but I fought back, proving that no one can steal a woman’s strength.
I’m Sarah, a veterinarian who loved Tom for 12 years despite his simple job. When he abruptly ended our marriage after my grandpa’s passing, I didn’t fight it, assuming he’d fallen out of love. One day, grabbing supplies for my clinic, I spotted a shiny sports car in the lot. Tom stepped out, wearing a tailored suit and flashy watch, nothing like the casual guy I knew. I was stunned.
I approached him, keeping my tone light. “Tom, you’re doing well!” He brushed me off coldly. “None of your business.” As he walked away, he tossed a $100 bill at my feet, saying, “Take it.” His cruelty shocked me. Picking up the bill, I saw a smiley face, triggering a memory. Before Grandpa died, he’d offered me $200,000, urging me to secure my future. I’d drawn that smiley, refusing the cash, thinking it went to charity.
Realizing Tom might have taken it, I visited Grandpa’s friend, Henry, a savvy businessman. Showing him the bill, I asked about the money. “Your grandpa gave it to Tom for you,” Henry said, frowning. “He thought it would help.” I was livid—Tom had left me right after. Henry gave me a lawyer’s card, saying, “Take it back.” I met Ethan, a sharp attorney who called it fraud. “Let’s confront him,” he said, eyes gleaming.
At Tom’s fancy apartment, he opened the door, startled. Ethan introduced himself, accusing Tom of deceit. “We’ll sue, and you’ll lose everything,” Ethan warned, listing legal costs. Tom’s defiance faded. “I’ll return it,” he mumbled. I stared at him. “You used Grandpa’s trust and left me. Shame on you.” A year later, I opened a clinic with the money, honoring Grandpa. Henry came to the opening, proud. Ethan and I later fell in love, marrying two years on. That smiley bill stays in my wallet, a symbol of resilience.
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