My ex hasnt given a penny for our children, yet I caught him buying expensive trainers for his stepkids. I decided it was time for a bit of payback
So there I am, walking into the shopping centre with my two kids, and who do I see? My ex. The same one who hasn’t handed over a single pound for the children in months, always claiming hes got financial troubles whenever I ask for money for school shoes or supplies.
And there he was, in the priciest shoe shop in the place, with his stepchildren, helping them try on designer trainers as if hes made of money.
I could feel my blood boiling, but instead of causing a scene, I took a deep breath and thought, He wont get away with this.
I strolled over, holding my childrens hands, just as he was engrossed in his phone while the kids tried on some ridiculously expensive Nikes. The shop assistant was packing away boxes.
Excuse me, miss, I said with my best polite smile, do you have these in size 13 and 3?
She looked a bit confused.
Of course. For?
For my children, I replied, then raising my voice just a touch, I said, My husband will pay for everything at once, wont you, darling?
My ex snapped his head up from his phone, as if hed been struck. His eyes nearly popped out.
What? he stammered, but I was already seating my kids and helping them try on the trainers.
Yes, yes, hes paying for everything, I told the assistant calmly. Were a blended family, you see? These are his stepchildren, and these are ours. He always insists on treating them equally, isnt that right, love?
He was turning redder than a tomato, mouth opening to protest, but the assistant was already bringing out the boxes and I winked at him.
They look perfect, miss. Well take them.
Just then, I spotted a fantastic pair of coral sports trainers on the shelf. Absolutely my style.
Oh, miss, could I have those in a size 5 as well? The coral ones.
For yourself? the assistant asked.
Yes, for me, I said, slipping them on. Oh, they fit brilliantly. And do you have those elegant black ones? I need them for work.
MORE? managed my ex, choking a little.
Darling, dont be stingy, I said sweetly. You know I need comfortable shoes for work. And the trainers are for when I take the kids to the park. Ive always told you I needed new ones.
The poor assistant, oblivious to the drama unfolding, just smiled and took notes.
All right, so thats eight pairs in total, she said, reaching for her calculator.
I stood up, gave my kids quick kisses and walked up to my ex.
Right, love, Im off. Ive got more shopping to do. The kids will stay with you, all right? Just bring them home later.
Before he could react, I grabbed the bags with the trainers for MY kids and myself, and walked calmly out, feeling like absolute royalty.
The last thing I heard was the assistants voice:
That comes to £500. Cash or card, sir?
It was only when I got to the car park that I allowed myself a proper laugh. The look on his face was priceless. I peeked inside the bag at my new trainers and thought, Now thats divine justice.
That evening, when he dropped my kids off (naturally half an hour late), he had a look somewhere between offended and resigned. His stepkids werent with him.
What you did was he started.
What? I cut him off, innocent-faced. That I made sure YOUR children have new trainers too? No need to thank me, darling. Its the least you could do.
He was silent for a moment, then shook his head.
Eight pairs EIGHT. Did you really need TWO for yourself?
You never know when youll need comfy trainers, love. Besideshow many months of maintenance do you owe me? Consider it an advance payment.
Youre insane.
No, just exhausted, I replied. Theres a difference. Now Ive got decent shoes, at least.
He turned to go, but as he got in the car I heard him mutter:
Eight pairs itll cost me more than just paying maintenance
Exactly, genius, I thought, while closing the door.
The kids came running to hug me, thrilled with their new trainers. I wore my coral ones that evening for a walk and felt fantastic.
Was it wrong? Maybe.
Do I regret it?
Not for a second. What would you have done in my place?
