People often think that females boast far more frequently than males do. For instance, sharing with pals about their lavish partner, clever children, and perfectly organized existence. Yet, Olivia had seen firsthand that guys enjoy flaunting before others too, occasionally inflating their successes by a huge margin.

Her spouse Nicholas served as a clear illustration. His tendency to brag stood out even while they were dating. Anyway, Olivia viewed it as a personality quirk she could put up with.

Once they wed, she discovered that his bragging occasionally went way beyond limits. Nicholas might spin such wild yarns about himself to buddies and contacts that his spouse was unsure how to respond. Such as claiming he was the sole team member to receive a bonus equivalent to five months’ pay.

Or that he enjoyed a fortnight at a high-end resort in the Maldives. Or received a seaside villa as inheritance. Olivia, hearing her husband’s tales, chuckled silently to herself.

She was aware that the Maldives trip was really 25 miles outside town, at his mom’s cottage. There, on a tiny lot with a single-level home and outdoor toilet, they passed their summer break. The spouse typically avoided cutting in on Nicholas when he began showing off to family or friends.

Only when he truly overdid it and uttered total rubbish would Olivia subtly gesture for him to cease. In general, she saw this defect in her partner as relatively benign. After all, the fellow is amusing himself, nothing to be done.

Olivia and Nicholas’s marriage occurred four years back. At that point, both had previously been wedded and separated. As the saying goes, life kicks off after forty.

Olivia and Nicholas met each other in their forties. They shared such affectionate and reliable bonds that youthful pairs might envy them. Their love affair progressed swiftly.

Merely half a year after encountering one another, Nicholas asked for Olivia’s hand in a formal atmosphere. And two months on, they exchanged vows. The initial year of wedded bliss resembled a perpetual romantic getaway.

Olivia and Nicholas devoted plenty of hours together. They meshed so nicely that they rarely quarreled, save for minor issues. Nevertheless, the initial major challenge arrived soon enough…

It turned out that Olivia became jobless. The firm she served went bankrupt. When he found out his wife lacked employment, Nicholas felt somewhat depressed.

— What, now I’m the only breadwinner in the house? — he asked Olivia in a dissatisfied tone. — We can’t live large on my salary alone.

And what are we supposed to do? I doubt I can work for two. — I’ll definitely find a job, — his wife assured him passionately.

— In Chicago, there are all kinds of vacancies now, and tech is always needed everywhere. — Yeah, keep listening to those stories. Anyone can work.

Yeah, right. The reality now is that employers, upon seeing a candidate over forty-five, do everything possible and impossible to reject them. You’re turning forty-five soon, Olivia, and your chances for a good position are fading fast.

— Nicholas, you’re dramatizing too much. Yes, I lost my job, but I’m determined to find a new one. Maybe not on the first day of searching, but the odds are good.

Her husband just shrugged. Soon Olivia realized there was some truth in Nicholas’s words. The employers she was interested in didn’t directly state in the ads that they weren’t considering candidates over forty-five.

However, after what seemed like successful interviews, no one called Olivia back, and she had to start the whole marathon over again. From morning to evening, she ran to job fairs and various interviews, studied websites, and sent resumes to new companies. Of course, there were employers ready to hire her tomorrow, but their demands were so high and salaries so low that such employment was out of the question.

Since Olivia spent her days job hunting, she couldn’t keep up with the house as before. If she used to vacuum the carpets and mop the floors at least three times a week, now she limited herself to light cleaning on weekends. She also couldn’t cook fresh meals and delicacies for Nicholas every day, which upset him greatly…

Her husband even started getting angry and voicing complaints to Olivia. “Why is the apartment such a mess?” he raised his voice at his wife. “Look, dust in the corners.

Our home has turned into a dump. I slave away at work, and what is my wife doing meanwhile? Olivia, are you sleeping all day?

So tired from work that you can’t rest now? Time to wake up, hello!” “Nicholas, you know I’m on my feet all day looking for a job,” Olivia defended herself. “I just got back from another interview.

And you know what, I feel like this time luck will finally smile on me. You’ll see.” “You say that every time!” “This time it’ll be different, I assure you,” his wife said in a conciliatory tone.

“I’ll quickly tidy up now and we’ll have dinner.” “Have dinner with what? Store-bought dumplings again?” Nicholas still grumbled.

“No problem, I can fry some cutlets.” “Olivia, are you mocking me?” Nicholas roared. “They’re store-bought too, and I want normal, homemade food, not semi-prepared stuff made who knows when.

It’s all chemicals.” Olivia just shrugged, and her husband continued. “Stop running around the city, you’ve neglected the household, and there’s no result.

Better take care of the apartment, you won’t find a normal job anyway, at least do your duties properly.” Olivia then thought, maybe her husband was right, better for her to stay home, so at least the apartment would be in perfect order. In the end, she stopped trying to find a decent job, hoping it would save their family boat from the approaching storm…

How wrong she was. Big changes happened with Nicholas. Previously calm and composed, he turned into a real domestic tyrant.

He reproached his wife over the slightest thing, whether it was a late lunch or dust on the dresser. The husband himself apparently considered himself, if not a god, then a ruler and benefactor. Like, what a klutz and lazybones he married, how much good he’s done for her.

She’s ungrateful, sitting on his neck with her feet dangling. Gradually, reproaches became the norm for the family. “Ugh, did you oversalt the soup!” Nicholas almost squealed, bringing a spoon of freshly cooked stew to his mouth.

“This is impossible to eat!” And the plate mercilessly flew into the trash. “I tasted it, the stew is tasty,” his wife said in confusion. “I cooked it for three hours.”

“Then cook it again!” Nicholas yelled, so that there’d be a normal lunch in half an hour. “How much food are you wasting? At least be ashamed!” “I don’t have a printing press!” “You need to be more economical!” “Stop squandering the family budget!” Olivia tried to hold on.

She endured Nicholas’s reproaches stoically, most of which, in her opinion, were made up out of thin air. And she hoped that her husband would turn back into the old Nicholas she fell in love with and married. But his character only worsened.

Perhaps Olivia would have been glad to move out from him. But she had no housing of her own, nor any savings stash. It turned out she became financially dependent on her husband.

Nicholas knew this and increased the number of attacks every day. If before only Olivia’s cooking skills and housekeeping were criticized, now it was her appearance’s turn. Her husband ran over her like a steamroller.

From the morning, examining his wife from head to toe, Nicholas started his nitpicking. Olivia, you’ve started looking worse lately. Face full of wrinkles, bags under your eyes.

Can you remove them somehow? There are so many products now. Anti-aging creams are advertised on every channel.

And you’ve gained weight, become frumpy or something? Maybe eat less? At this rate, soon you won’t fit through the door…

I won’t be able to feed you. He laughed nastily. I’ll try, Nicholas.

That’s all Olivia could say… It hurt her to tears. She’ll try.

Here you need to act decisively. Go on a diet. Then do some exercises.

They show a lot on TV. Turn on the TV and go ahead, exercise. I don’t have time for myself.

I’m the main breadwinner in the family. What do you do all day? But you yourself asked me to take care of the home.

Maybe you’re not aware, but housekeeping takes a lot of time. These are all silly women’s excuses. Look, neighbor Scott’s wife works at a bank and is smart.

And beautiful. Not like you. You’ve let yourself go and make up excuses.

Nicholas wouldn’t let up. But Scott’s wife is always at the fitness club with a pool. I’d love to go there too to tone up my figure.

You can’t get by with just TV exercises. At least start eating less. Then we’ll see if you’re worthy of a fitness club.

It’s not free, her husband said. And don’t hide behind housekeeping. It’s in complete neglect.

You’ve neglected yourself and everything around. Olivia listened to the complaints against her almost non-stop. But this time something inside her snapped.

Enough tolerating. She decided to fight back. To be well-groomed, Nicholas, you need money, and not small amounts.

Proper self-care costs money. Want me to look like Scott’s wife or even better? Well, then give me money for it every month.

Fitness club, cosmetologist services, haircut at a salon, manicure, pedicure. The list can go on forever. Olivia spoke and counted on her fingers.

And I forgot about buying fashionable clothes. Be kind, provide all that for me. Then I’ll look as stunning as before.

You’ve gone crazy, her husband flared up. Say thank you that I’ve been supporting you for months while you stuff yourself with sweets in front of the TV. And I pay for the apartment and spend a lot on gas when I drive you to the supermarket and market for groceries.

But we buy groceries primarily for you, Olivia wouldn’t calm down. Because I pay for them, Nicholas said firmly. If you don’t like eating my groceries, buy your own with your money.

Oh, I forgot you’re unemployed. So better shut up and know your place. Olivia understood her financial dependence on her husband…

Thoughts constantly swirled in her head about finding, if not a job, at least part-time work. Part-time employment would be her salvation. That way she could manage the household and earn a little to save for a rainy day.

One day she was ironing laundry with the TV on in the background. Suddenly a report caught her attention. Olivia even set the iron aside and turned up the volume.

They showed a young girl who decided to start her own business from scratch. She bought goods from China and resold them on marketplaces. Olivia found this business idea interesting and started studying it in more detail.

About a week went into carefully studying forums, watching online videos, and reading seller reviews. In the end, Olivia decided to take the risk. She bought a trial batch of goods and listed them on a well-known marketplace.

Everything sold out quickly. Encouraged by the success, Olivia immediately invested the proceeds into buying the next batch. And the business took off.

There were minor hiccups, of course, but challenges happen in any endeavor. Olivia didn’t give up and persistently continued toward her goal – becoming financially independent from her husband. After about six months, Olivia fully mastered her business and reached a stable income.

What happiness she felt when she didn’t need to beg her husband for money to buy groceries. She went to the supermarket and looked not only at discounted and marked-down items, but at what she really wanted to buy. Choice vegetables and fruits, a good piece of meat, the freshest dairy products…

Food cooked from quality ingredients tastes much better. Nicholas even squeezed out something like approval, like, you tried, good job. It seemed like the relationship between the spouses should have improved, since Olivia now brought money into the family on par with Nicholas.

You could even say she started earning more than her husband, but that didn’t please him, it rather angered him. — Wait before rejoicing, — he told her. — Your work is complete nonsense.

Today there’s money, tomorrow none. — I understand, Nicholas, — his wife explained. — But admit I’ve achieved some success.

I have something to be proud of. — Don’t forget that without me you’re nobody, — her husband wouldn’t stop. — You’re a woman first, so you should think about the family.

A woman without a man is nothing. I married you, supported you all that time you weren’t working, and now I tolerate all your whims. They should build me a monument…

Who needs you at forty-five? — We’re the same age, — Olivia decided to remind him for some reason. — Don’t make me laugh, — Nicholas snorted contemptuously.

A woman’s prime is short. No, I’ll still be popular with women for a long time. But you’re done.

He spread his hands and laughed nastily. If I decide to leave you, you’ll perish, live out your days in poverty in some wretched corner. For some reason, Nicholas always emphasized the phrase “you’re nobody without me.”

In her previous marriage, Olivia never had children, just like Nicholas. Only while her husband never wanted kids and was glad they didn’t have any, Olivia often regretted not experiencing the joy of motherhood. She feared being completely alone in old age, without help, without that proverbial glass of water.

What if, if she does decide on divorce, she won’t find personal happiness again? Such thoughts visited Olivia more often, and she postponed making a serious decision. Still, it’s better with a husband than alone, she convinced herself.

However, fate decided otherwise. It all started with Nicholas preparing for his birthday. For his 45th, he invited many guests, including relatives, friends, and colleagues.

A fancy restaurant was chosen for the celebration. Of course, Nicholas loved to boast and show off. His circle considered him well-off and very generous.

He had to meet their expectations. Olivia didn’t object to the expensive restaurant, but inwardly wondered. Would her husband really shell out a hefty sum?

While she pondered this, Nicholas himself clarified. Suddenly her husband became so affectionate and compliant that it was a pleasure to see. About a week before the event, he suddenly approached his wife with this proposal.

“Olivia, honey, I had this thought. You’re probably racking your brain over what to give me. So I’ll give you a hint.

Let’s have you help me pay for the celebratory banquet as a gift.” I calculated everything and realized I got carried away inviting almost 30 people. Well, I can’t cancel the invitations now.

They’d laugh at me. So we’ll definitely celebrate the birthday. But I don’t want to take out a loan…

How to pay it back later? Olivia, who by then had already prepared a gift for her husband, expensive watches, lost her speech for a moment. Then she recovered and said, “Nicholas, I’m very surprised.

You’ve talked so many times about my earnings as pitiful pennies. Now, it turns out, you think differently?” “No, dear, I meant something else. You see, I didn’t want you spending your personally earned money on family needs.

That’s my job as the man. My duty is to take care of you.” “Commendable,” Olivia approved.

“But what’s changed now? If before it was shameful for you to take money from me, is it okay to ask for it to pay for the restaurant?” “Are you offended at me?” Nicholas exclaimed. “I’ve realized everything.

Yes, I was wrong.” He looked at his wife attentively. “I’m guilty of unintentionally offending you with my words.

But understand, we men are like that. We feel awkward if the wife is more successful in her career and earns more money. Because of that, we often say stupid things, don’t take it to heart.”

Her husband’s words touched Olivia. Finally, she waited. Had her spouse really understood he was wrong and not offended his wife with his words and actions?

It’s good she didn’t act rashly and make hasty decisions. A woman feels calmer and more secure with a husband. Olivia fulfilled Nicholas’s request with great joy.

She paid for the restaurant and decided to also give him the watches. After all, she prepared this gift in advance. In addition to the watches for her beloved husband, she bought an expensive suit so Nicholas would look like man of the year at his birthday.

For herself, Olivia bought a beautiful evening dress, got makeup and hair done at a salon. The party promised to be grand. And all the guests gathered at the appointed time at the restaurant.

People approached Olivia and gave compliments. She looked so stunning. Nicholas saw and heard all this.

The displeased expression on his face eloquently said he was outraged to the core. After all, it’s his party. So nice words should be said only to him.

Why involve his wife at all. The celebration proceeded as planned. The banquet menu was beyond praise.

The emcee was exceptionally fun but also refined. Guests were feasting and joking fully. Many toasts were raised to the birthday boy’s health…

Nicholas downed one glass after another and must have gotten drunk quickly. It so happened he sat at the table between two ladies. His wife was the neighbor on his left, and a work colleague on his right.

It was quite noisy due to live music and guest chatter. Suddenly the musicians cut off the melody abruptly, and Olivia clearly heard the words Nicholas addressed to his colleague. — Irene, you’re such a beauty, of course.

I can’t take my eyes off you all evening. Not like my Olivia. It feels like she’s given up on herself long ago and stopped taking care of herself completely.

After all, we men love with our eyes. Eh, I rushed into marriage. Well, why after divorce did I marry someone my age?

Friends warned me. Choose a young one. What was I thinking.

Olivia listened to her husband and couldn’t believe her ears. Irene apparently replied something to Nicholas, but her words were hard to hear. She was sitting farther away.

But Olivia made out her husband’s speech very well. Meanwhile, he continued to charm young Irene. And here this hen sits on my neck.

The house isn’t cleaned. Food is just dumplings and sausages. And I, by the way, give her decent money for housekeeping.

What housekeeping? He waved his hand. Did you see her dress?

I paid for that. But it looks on Olivia like a saddle on a cow. I’d have left her long ago.

But somehow I feel sorry. Where would she go without me? But today I thought…

Enough… Time to think about myself. No more charity.

By the way, what are your plans for the evening? I thought. Let’s drive around the night city.

Get some fresh air, so to speak. I’ll just send this one home. And that’s it.

Free till morning. Olivia felt awkward for her husband. And of course, wild resentment overcame her.

What nonsense is he spouting? Did he drink himself senseless? Or is the saying true, what’s on a sober man’s mind is on a drunk man’s tongue?

She elbowed him and hissed. What are you saying? Stop embarrassing yourself.

I’m sitting right next to you and hear everything. Go know where! The drunk husband suddenly blurted out.

You better sit and eat. Everything is very tasty. Not like what you cook.

Some slop. Olivia blushed. Tears welled up in her eyes.

No, this is too much. Enough tolerating such rude treatment. Nicholas doesn’t love her and probably never did.

She was just convenient for him as a wife. But she’s had enough. The point of no return in their relationship has passed.

And why didn’t she notice earlier what her husband was like? Hypocritical, greedy, vile. How could she believe he’d change?

After all, in life’s tough moments, he didn’t support her but only humiliated and mocked. Olivia wiped her tears, stood from the table, and resolutely approached the emcee. She whispered something in the host’s ear.

He nodded and announced into the microphone. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the wife of our birthday boy. Olivia will now give a toast, and we’ll support her with thunderous applause.”

All guests started clapping. Even drunk Nicholas applauded and giggled stupidly. He must have thought his wife would sing his praises.

How surprised he was when he heard Olivia’s speech. “Today is my husband’s birthday. And not just a birthday, but a milestone.

We prepared for this holiday a long time. I, at least, definitely wanted this event to be the most memorable for him. But here’s what I realized…

He just doesn’t need it. Nicholas can’t appreciate love and devotion. So tomorrow, dear, I’m filing for divorce.

I’m tired of living under one roof with a braggart and liar. You can call me mercenary, but few can endure his small salary and inflated sense of self-importance. Well, what about the bonuses and resorts, you ask?

That’s blatant lying. Our dear Nicholas hasn’t gone further than the Chicago suburbs in the last five years for sure. He lives in some made-up world…

But what self-conceit! Enough for five people. What, did he tell you he paid for this magnificent banquet himself?

No way. I paid for the restaurant. And the suit on him was bought with my money too.

Yes, Nicholas, with the money that, as you put it, it’s shameful for a man to take from a woman. A real man would definitely be ashamed. But you’re not one.

Goodbye, Nicholas. You really wanted to ruin my life and almost succeeded. Thanks to fate that I came to my senses in time.”

On the last phrase, Olivia handed the microphone to the host and headed to the exit. Ringing silence hung in the restaurant hall. All eyes were fixed on the woman walking away confidently from all this fuss and hypocrisy.

Returning home, Olivia quickly, almost on autopilot, packed her things. It took no more than an hour. Then she called a taxi and left.

Nicholas didn’t return in that time. Probably stayed at the restaurant complaining to guests about his hard life with a lazy and hysterical wife. She spent a couple of nights at her friend’s and meanwhile looked for suitable housing.

To her joy, a cozy studio was found quickly. Olivia called the owner and went to view the apartment that same day. Since everything suited her, they signed the lease right away.

Olivia held the keys… She looked at them and couldn’t believe her happiness. You could consider them keys to a new life, where so many different events await Olivia.

For example, opening her own store. Yes, first she’ll have to go through divorce. But she’s done it once before.

She’ll manage this time too. Nicholas showed up a couple of days after the birthday celebration. He started calling her.

Olivia didn’t want to answer, but on about the fifth try, she picked up. — Where did you disappear to? — Nicholas began interrogating.

— When are you coming back? — You still don’t get it?

— Olivia asked.

— I left forever.

From your apartment and from your life.

— You can’t do this to me.

— Do what?

So meanly.

You’re abandoning me without giving the slightest chance to explain.

— I’ve given you so many chances I’ve lost count.

No explanations needed.

Don’t call me anymore, ever.

She hung up and thought she needed to change her phone number today.

A new life will start all anew.