My ex-husband never contributed a penny towards our children, and yet I caught him buying expensive trainers for his stepchildren. I decided it was time to teach him a lesson
It’s strange to think back on that day now. I remember strolling into the shopping centre with my two children, and spotting himmy ex. The same man who hadnt bothered with child support for months, always claiming he was short on funds whenever I asked for school shoes or supplies.
Yet here he wasinside the priciest shoe shop in town, kitting out his stepchildren with designer trainers as if he were a lord with money to throw around.
I felt a surge of indignation, but instead of creating a scene, I took a deep breath and thought, “This won’t go unanswered.”
I approached slowly, holding my childrens hands, just as he was absorbed with his phone while the children tried on ridiculously expensive Nikes. The shop assistant was tidying up the boxes.
Excuse me, miss, I said with my sweetest smile, Do you have those models in size 2 and 3, please?
The shop assistant looked confounded for a moment.
Of course. For…?
For my children, I replied, then, raising my voice just a little so hed hear, added, My husband will pay for everything in one go, wont you, darling?
My ex looked up from his phone as if struck by lightning. His eyes practically bulged.
What? he began, but by then, Id already sat my children down to try on the trainers.
Yes, yes, hes paying for everything, I told the assistant calmly. You see, were a blended familythose are his stepchildren, and these are ours. Hes always so adamant about treating them all fairly, isnt that right, love?
His face went red as a beetroot. He opened his mouth to object, but the shop assistant was already bringing the boxes, and I winked at him.
They fit perfectly, miss. Well take them, I said.
While she was totalling up the bill, I caught sight of some gorgeous coral sports trainers on the shelfjust my style.
Oh, miss, can I try those in size 5? The coral ones.
For the lady? asked the assistant.
Yes, for me, I said, slipping them on. Theyre fantastic. And could I have those smart black ones too? I need them for work.
More? my ex managed to gasp.
Dont be tight, darling, I told him gently. You know I need comfy shoes for work, and these trainers are for the park with the children. Ive mentioned I needed new pairs so many times.
The poor assistantcompletely out of her depth regarding the family dramajust smiled and kept making notes.
Splendid, so thats eight pairs altogether, she said, tapping away at the calculator.
I stood, kissed my children quickly, and stepped up to my ex.
Alright, darling, Im off, still have errands to run. The children will stay with you, okay? Just drop them home later.
Before he could react, I gathered up the bags with MY childrens trainers and MY pairs, and walked out proudly, like a queen. The last thing I heard was the assistants voice:
Thatll be £500. Cash or card, sir?
On the car park, I finally let myself laugh out loud. His expression was absolutely priceless. I glanced down at my new trainers in the bag and thought, “Well, thats true poetic justice.”
That evening, when he brought the children home (of course, thirty minutes late), he looked equal parts outraged and resigned. The stepchildren were nowhere in sight.
What you did was he began.
What? I interrupted, feigning innocence. Ensured YOUR children have new trainers too? Really, darling, its the least you could do.
He was silent for a bit, then shook his head.
Eight pairs EIGHT. Did you really need two yourself?
You never know when youll need comfortable trainers, darling. Besideshow many months of child support do you owe me? Consider it an advance payment.
Youre mad.
No, just tired, I replied. Theres a difference. And now, Im well shod.
He turned to leave, but before getting into his car I heard him mutter,
Eight pairs Itll cost me more than just paying child support
Exactly, genius,” I thought as I closed the door.
The children raced over, hugging me gleefully in their new trainers. That night, I slipped on the coral pair for a walk and felt wonderful.
Was it wrong of me? Perhaps.
Do I regret it?
Not for a second. And what would you have done in my place?
