After a bitter marriage marked by Mike’s obsession with material wealth, Nicole shockingly agrees to give him everything in their divorce. But as Mike revels in his “victory,” Nicole’s laughter reveals a secret plan in motion. What Mike doesn’t know is that she’s about to make her final move.
I stepped out of the lawyer’s office with a blank expression, my shoulders slumped, looking every bit the defeated ex-wife. The rain was coming down hard, and the gray sky matched my mood — or at least the mood I wanted people to think I was in.
A woman walking past a window | Source: Midjourney
Inside, I was buzzing. My hands clenched the cold steel of the door handle as I headed toward the elevator. No one was around. Good.
The elevator door closed behind me with a soft ding, and as soon as I was alone, I let out a little giggle. It wasn’t something I planned; it bubbled up from deep inside like champagne finally uncorked.
The more I thought about what I’d just done the more it built up until I was cackling in the elevator like a lunatic.
A woman laughing in an elevator | Source: Midjourney
If anyone saw me right then, they’d think I had finally snapped, gone over the edge from all the stress, but oh no, this was just the beginning. Everything was falling perfectly into place.
The house, the car, the savings — Mike could have them all. It was exactly what I wanted. He thought he’d won, and that was the best part. He didn’t have a clue what was coming.
The elevator stopped with a jolt, and I pulled myself together. I glanced at my reflection in the elevator’s mirrored wall: messy hair, tired eyes, and a faint smile still lingering on my lips. I didn’t even care. This was going to be fun.
A woman in an elevator | Source: Midjourney
A few weeks earlier…
Mike and I hadn’t been happy for years, but it wasn’t just the regular kind of falling out of love. Mike was obsessed with his image. He was all about the flashy cars, having the biggest house on the block, and wearing only designer clothes.
All of it was a performance, and I had played my part for too long. The cracks had started to show, and when the arguments became more frequent, I knew it wasn’t long before the inevitable happened.
A thoughtful woman | Source: Midjourney
The thing is, I wasn’t scared of the divorce. I knew Mike, and I knew exactly how this would play out.
He didn’t care about saving the marriage. No, what he wanted was to win — win the house, win the money, win the divorce.
All I wanted was to be free of this pretentious lifestyle. But that didn’t mean I was going to let him screw me over, either. So, I’d let Mike have what he wanted, but with a catch as sharp as a fishhook.
A thoughtful woman | Source: Midjourney
It happened on a Tuesday. Mike came home late, again. I was in the kitchen, pretending to scroll through my phone, not bothering to look up when he stormed in.
“We need to talk.”
I sighed, barely masking the boredom in my voice. “What now?”
He slammed his keys on the counter, and I could practically feel the frustration radiating off him. He always got like this when things didn’t go his way at work, and of course, I was the easiest target.
An irritated man | Source: Midjourney
“I’m done,” he said, his voice low and tight. “I want a divorce.”
I blinked up at him. Finally. I nodded slowly, like it was sinking in, but really, I had been prepared for this moment for weeks.
“Okay,” I said simply.
He frowned, clearly taken aback. “That’s it? No fight? No begging?”
I shrugged. “What’s the point?”
A woman staring ahead | Source: Midjourney
For a second, he looked confused, like I had taken the wind out of his sails. He was expecting resistance, expecting me to plead with him to stay.
But I just needed to give him enough rope to hang himself with.
The divorce negotiations were as awful as I expected. We sat across from each other in a sterile conference room, lawyers flanking us, as Mike outlined every little thing he wanted. The house, the car, the savings; it was like he was reading off a grocery list.
Close up of a man’s eyes | Source: Midjourney
And the entire time, he had this smug little grin on his face, like he thought I’d break down and cry at any moment.
“Fine,” I said, barely listening. “You can have it all.”
My lawyer shot me a look, one that clearly said, “Are you sure?” But I just nodded.
Mike blinked. “Wait, what?”
“I said, you can have it. I don’t want any of it, except for my personal possessions.”
A woman | Source: Midjourney
He looked stunned. “You… you don’t want the house? Or the money?”
“Nope,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “It’s all yours.”
His shock quickly morphed into glee. “Great. Then take this afternoon to pack up your belongings. It’s not much, so that should be plenty of time.” Mike glanced at his watch. “I’ll expect you to be out by six.”
“No problem,” I replied.
A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney
He sat up straighter, his chest puffing out like he’d just won the lottery. And I let him think it.
And that brings me back to that moment when I stepped into the elevator in the lawyer’s office building, and couldn’t contain my laughter anymore.
As I stepped out of the elevator, I pulled out my phone. My fingers hovered over the screen for a second before I typed out a quick message: I’m heading to the house to pack up my things. I’ll call you when it’s time to make your move.
I hit send and smiled. Time for the real fun to begin.
A cell phone | Source: Pexels
Packing up the house was easier than I thought it would be. I didn’t want much, just a few personal things, mostly items that held memories that weren’t tainted by Mike. The house was too big for just the two of us anyway, and it always felt more like his house than mine.
I was taping up the last box when I picked up the phone to make the call. My mom, Barbara, answered on the second ring.
“Hey,” I said, keeping my voice light. “It’s time.”
A woman making a phone call | Source: Midjourney
There was a pause, and then Mom’s familiar, no-nonsense tone came through. “Finally. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”
Mom couldn’t stand Mike. She saw right through his flashy facade the day I introduced them. But the best part? She had helped us buy this house. She was the reason Mike thought he had scored such a great deal on it, and now she was going to be the reason he lost it.
I hung up, feeling a strange sense of relief as I looked around. I was done pretending.
A woman holding her phone | Source: Midjourney
The next morning, I was making breakfast in my new little apartment when my phone rang. I smirked as Mike’s name flashed across the screen.
“Hello?” I answered sweetly.
“You set me up!” Mike’s voice was furious, practically frothing at the mouth.
I put the phone on speaker, grabbing a piece of toast as I leaned against the counter. “I’m sorry, what are you talking about?”
A slice of toast | Source: Midjourney
“Your mother!” he spat. “She’s… she’s in my house! She’s taken over everything!”
“Oh, right,” I said, biting into my toast. “Remember that agreement we signed when she gave us the down payment? The one that lets her live there whenever she wants, for as long as she wants?”
There was a long pause, and I could practically hear the gears turning in his brain. I could imagine the look on his face, realization dawning.
A woman speaking on the phone | Source: Midjourney
He had signed that paper years ago, too blinded by the allure of a fancy house to even think twice about the fine print.
“You! You cheated me! This isn’t over. I’m getting my lawyers—”
Before he could finish, I heard Mom’s voice in the background, sharp and cutting through the phone. “Michael, you better get your feet off that coffee table! And stop hogging the remote!”
There was a muffled sound as if Mike had turned away from the phone, trying to whisper. “Barbara, this is my house—”
A smiling woman on a phone call | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, hush,” Mom interrupted, louder now. “It’s my house just as much as yours. And another thing, what’s with all these cheap snacks? Do you know how to grocery shop? I’m not living off frozen dinners!”
I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. Mike mumbled something incoherent, his frustration barely contained, but before he could get another word in, I heard her again.
“And turn down that TV! You think I want to listen to that nonsense all day? If you’re going to watch those ridiculous car shows, at least mute it!”
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
There was a loud crash, followed by some more muttering, and then the phone clicked off abruptly. I took a deep breath, smiling as I sat down at the table.
Freedom never tasted so sweet.
Here’s another story: When I overheard my husband advising his friend to deliberately botch household chores, I felt a surge of anger. That moment marked the beginning of a transformation in our marriage, one where I decided to confront his weaponized incompetence by treating him like the child he was pretending to be.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
If you press this point near your heart 2 minutes, here’s the effect on the body.
Acupressure, an ancient therapeutic practice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has achieved global renown for its capacity to improve wellbeing simply by applying pressure to particular places on the body. These spots, called acupoints, are said to be linked to numerous organs and systems, allowing energy flow (or “Qi”) throughout the body.
One such acupoint, near the heart, is known to have a significant impact on both physical and mental well-being. In this post, we’ll look at the importance of this acupressure point, how it affects the body, and how you may implement this easy practice into your daily routine for improved health.
The acupressure point near the heart: Pericardium 6 (P6 or Neiguan).
The acupressure point near the heart that we will concentrate on is Pericardium 6 (P6), commonly known as Neiguan. This place lies on the inside forearm, about three finger widths below the wrist, between the two tendons. P6 is a popular acupoint in TCM, known for its capacity to impact the heart, chest, and emotional state.
How to Locate and Stimulate Pericardium 6 (P6)
To find the P6 point:
- Turn your hand up and measure three finger widths from the wrist crease.
- The spot is located between two visible tendons running up your forearm.
- Once identified, use your thumb or index finger to provide firm, moderate pressure.
The Effects of Pressing the Pericardium for Two Minutes
1. Relief for Nausea and Vomiting
One of the most well-documented effects of stimulating the P6 point is that it reduces nausea and vomiting. This effect has been documented in multiple research, making it a common treatment for motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and even postoperative nausea. Applying pressure on P6 for two minutes can help soothe the stomach and minimize the desire to vomit by affecting the digestive system’s neurological pathways.
2. Calming the Heart and Mind.
P6 is strongly related with the Pericardium meridian, which is said to protect the heart in traditional Chinese medicine. Stimulating this spot can have a relaxing impact on the heart, lowering palpitations, anxiety, and tension. This makes it a good acupoint to press during times of high tension or worry since it may slow your heart rate and generate a sense of calm.
3. Enhancing Circulation and Reducing Chest Pain.
P6 is known to affect blood flow and can help improve circulation, especially to the heart and upper body. Applying pressure to this spot can help reduce chest pain or tightness by increasing blood flow and lowering muscular tension.
4. Promoting Emotional Balance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Pericardium Meridian is also associated with emotional well-being. Stimulating P6 can assist balance emotions, especially when dealing with sorrow, despair, or feeling overwhelmed. Applying pressure to this spot may provide relief from emotional distress and an improved capacity to control your emotions.
5. Promotes Sleep and Relaxation.
P6, with its relaxing effects on both the heart and the mind, can also help improve sleep quality. Pressing this area before bedtime can aid in relaxing, making it easier to fall and remain asleep. It is a natural cure for individuals who suffer from insomnia or restless nights.
How to Add P6 Stimulation to Your Daily Routine
Including acupressure in your daily routine is simple and can be done practically anywhere. Here’s how you can add P6 stimulation to your day:
- Morning peaceful: Begin your day by pressing P6 for two minutes to encourage a peaceful and balanced mentality.
- Midday Stress Relief: If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the day, take a quick break to apply pressure to P6, which will assist to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Pre-Meal Nausea Control: If you feel nauseated, press P6 before eating to assist settle your stomach.
Bedtime Relaxation: Take P6 before going to bed to help your body relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
The power of acupressure
The Pericardium 6 (P6) acupoint, positioned near the heart, provides a natural and accessible method for improving several areas of health and well-being.
Whether you’re suffering from nausea, stress, emotional imbalance, or sleep problems, this easy exercise can be a beneficial addition to your wellness toolkit. As with other types of self-care, consistency is essential—regular stimulation of P6 can result in more dramatic and long-lasting effects.
Acupressure is a gentle, non-invasive method that compliments other types of health care. However, if you have any concerns, you should listen to your body and check with a healthcare expert, especially if you have underlying health issues or are pregnant. Accept the ancient knowledge of acupressure and explore the possible advantages of pressing this spot near your heart for two minutes every day.
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