That evening everything began like in a beautiful movie. My husband and I had received an invitation to dinner from his friend and his wife. I spent a long time choosing a dress — I wanted to look dignified and truly elegant. The evening promised to be pleasant: laughter, light conversations, delicious food, candles, and glasses of champagne.

But one awkward movement changed everything. During dinner, I accidentally dropped a piece of meat right onto my dress. It seemed like a small thing, but my husband’s face instantly changed: from cheerful to harsh.

I knew that look. He often reacted that way, and after such small incidents, arguments always followed. I endured his character for the sake of love, but inside me the thought of divorce always lived.

And then, right in front of the guests, he turned to everyone and said with a cold smile:

— Forgive my cow. She doesn’t know how to behave in public. Stop eating! You’re already fat enough.

A deadly silence filled the room. His friend and wife froze, unable to believe their ears. I felt a wave of pain rising in my chest, but instead of tears, I just forced a smile.

— What are you doing? — his friend interfered. — Your wife has a beautiful figure!

— So what? Can’t the truth be spoken anymore? — my husband leaned back in his chair. — She’s put on weight again. It’s shameful to be seen with her outside!

— She’s gorgeous, — his friend insisted.

— Gorgeous? — my husband laughed. — Have you seen her without makeup? Terrible! In the morning I wake up and think: why did I marry her?

At that moment something inside me broke. I excused myself and went to the bathroom.

— Go on, cry, calm down, you fool, — he shouted after me.

In the bathroom, alone, I allowed myself to burst into tears. But along with the tears came a decision — I would never again let him trample on my dignity. It was time to take revenge… 

I returned to the living room. Sat down at the table, calmly took off my wedding ring, and placed it in front of my husband.

— What does this mean? — he frowned.

— I’m filing for divorce.

He scoffed:

— Ha! Who would want you like this? Nobody will ever love you.

— We’ll see, — I replied calmly. — Tomorrow you’ll pack your things and leave. From my apartment. After all, I’m so fat, I don’t fit there anymore. Oh, and the car, which is registered in my name, you’ll leave in the garage. And be sure: my brother will know everything. You know how much he “loves” you.

— You won’t do this…

— You’ll see.

I stood up, picked up my purse, and headed for the door. Behind me I heard his friend’s voice, quiet but clear:

— Serves you right, bastard.

I walked out of the house, and for the first time in a long while, I felt free.