My ex-husband hadnt given a single penny for our kids, but I saw him buying expensive trainers for his stepchildren. So I decided it was time for a little payback
Picture the scene: Im walking into the shopping centre in Manchester with my two children, and I spot him. My ex. The man who, for months, claimed he had financial troubles each time I asked him for school shoes or supplies for the kids. Not a pound, not even a 50p coin for their needs.
There he was – in the fanciest shoe shop in the centre, with his two stepchildren, trying on designer trainers as if he were a Premier League footballer. I felt my blood boil, but instead of storming over and causing a scene, I took a deep breath and thought, This isnt going to go unchallenged.
I walked up slowly, holding the kids hands, right as he was glued to his phone and the children were slipping on some ridiculously pricey Nikes. The shop assistant was busy stacking boxes.
Excuse me, miss, I said with my brightest, most pleasant smile, Do you have these styles in sizes 1 and 3?
The assistant looked a bit perplexed.
Certainly. For?
For my children, I replied, then, raising my voice just enough, added, My husband will pay for everything at once, wont you, darling?
My ex looked up from his phone as if struck by lightning. His eyes nearly popped out.
What…? he began, but Id already seated the kids and told them to try on the trainers.
Yes, yes, hes covering it all, I said calmly to the assistant. Were a blended family, you see. These are his stepchildren, and these are ours. He always insists on treating them equally, right, love?
My ex went bright red. He opened his mouth to protest, but the assistant was bringing over more boxes, and I simply winked at him.
They fit perfectly, miss. Well take them.
Then, as the assistant was jotting everything down, I spotted a stunning pair of coral running shoes on the shelfjust my style.
Oh, miss, could I also have those in size 5? The coral ones.
For yourself? she asked.
Yes, for me, I said, slipping them on. Oh, these are gorgeous. And do you have those elegant black ones over there? I need them for work.
MORE? my ex managed to choke out.
Darling, dont be stingy, I said sweetly. You know I need comfortable shoes for work. The trainers are for when I take the children to the parkhow many times have I told you I need new ones?
The poor assistant, blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding, simply smiled and carried on ringing up the purchases.
So, eight pairs altogether, she said, tapping away on her calculator.
I got up, gave the kids a quick kiss, and approached my ex.
Well, love, Ive got more shopping to do. The children will stay with you, alright? Just bring them home afterwards.
Before he could react, I grabbed the bags with OUR childrens trainersand mineand strode toward the exit, feeling every bit the queen.
The last thing I heard was the assistants voice:
That comes to £500. Cash or card, sir?
I didnt let myself laugh until I reached the car park. His expression was absolutely priceless. I glanced at the new trainers in my bag and thought, Honestly, this feels like poetic justice.
Later that evening, when he returned the kids (of course, half an hour late), his face was caught between outrage and resignation. The stepchildren werent with him.
What you did he began.
What? I cut him off innocently. Making sure YOUR kids have new trainers too? No need to thank me, love. It’s the least you could do.
He paused, shook his head.
Eight pairs EIGHT. Did you really need TWO pairs for yourself?
You never know when youll need comfy trainers, darling. And how many months of child support do you owe me? Call it an advance payment.
Youre mad.
No, Im exhausted, I replied. Theres a difference. And now, at least, Ive got nice shoes.
He turned to leave, and just before he got in his car, I heard him mutter:
Eight pairs… this is going to cost me more than just paying child support
Spot on, genius, I thought, quietly closing my door.
My children came running, hugging me with glee and showing off their new trainers. That evening, I wore the coral ones for a walk and felt fabulous.
Was it wrong? Perhaps.
Do I regret it?
Not for a moment. And youwhat would you have done in my shoes?
Sometimes, justice isnt just about fairnessits about making sure those responsible dont forget their duties. And every little victory reminds us that we deserve to stand up for ourselves and our children.
