I never expected to receive an email from my ex‑husband’s new wife. But when the subject line read “Invoice for Outstanding Expenses”, my heart dropped — and not in a good way.
This all started two years after my divorce from Matt — years I spent rebuilding my life, focusing on my little house, my routines, and my peace. I thought the past was behind me. But then Stephanie — the woman Matt married soon after we split — decided I owed her money.
Yes, you read that right: she sent a bill… to me. A spreadsheet listed all kinds of supposed “expenses caused by me” during my marriage to Matt — from doctor visits to therapy, wardrobe upgrades, even fitness coaching. According to her, I was financially responsible for everything Matt had needed since meeting her.
At first, I just stared at the numbers. Over $5,000 in “charges” that apparently equated to me neglecting his happiness and wellbeing! I couldn’t believe someone could be that bold — or that petty.
Instead of paying — or simply yelling into the void — I did something better. I sat down and drafted a reply I knew she’d never forget. Rather than a rant, I crafted a counter‑invoice that gently but firmly flipped the whole thing on its head:
I reminded her that Matt refused to get glasses for years, wasn’t going to therapy until after she dragged him there, and was utterly devoted to his ironic graphic tee collection — not exactly neglect at my hands.
When Matt finally called, he was red‑faced and apologetic. He admitted he had no idea his new wife would do something like that. It was the first honest apology I’d ever gotten from him.
A few weeks later, at a friend’s party, someone jokingly asked whether he’d “paid me back for all that emotional labor.” He turned beet red and left the party early — which was honestly the cherry on top.
Now, whenever Stephanie’s name gets mentioned, people laugh. “Oh, you mean the one with the bill?” they say. And I do. Because honestly? I regret nothing.
