My Ex, a Cashier, Started Driving a

A Chance Encounter

A month after my unexpected divorce from Michael, I spotted him in a supermarket parking lot—transformed. Once a grocery store cashier in bargain clothes, he now stepped out of a luxury sports car wearing a designer suit and a Rolex. I approached, stunned.
“Michael?” I asked.
“Katherine, we’re not together anymore. This isn’t your business,” he replied coldly. Then, before walking off, he tossed a $100 bill at my feet. “Think of it as my parting gift.”

A Hidden Message

As I picked up the bill, something caught my eye—a small smiley face drawn on it. I instantly remembered: years ago, I had doodled that on one of the bills my dying grandfather offered me. I had declined his money then, not knowing he’d still leave it to someone else. Suddenly, it hit me—Michael had received that money after Grandpa died.

The Truth Comes Out

I visited Harrison, my grandfather’s old business partner. “Did Grandpa mention who he was giving money to?” I asked.
“He told me you refused it,” Harrison said. “But I think your grandfather gave Michael the money… He thought it would make your life better.” I realized then—Michael had used my grandfather’s generosity to leave me.
“Do you want to take it back?” Harrison asked.
“Tell me how,” I replied.

Justice and New Beginnings

With lawyer Logan’s help, we confronted Michael. “We have witnesses, bank records, and text logs,” Logan warned him. “Return the money or face court.”
Michael caved.

I used the returned funds to open my own veterinary clinic. A year later, Logan asked me to dinner—and eventually, to marry him.
In my wallet, I still carry that $100 bill with the smiley face—a reminder of love, betrayal, and starting over.