Using the internet, I took my name off all the utilities and transferred them to her name. Her car was in her name and she used her company credit card. She didn't even notice that our joint cards had been cancelled. I got a new phone with a different carrier but kept my number. Our house was almost paid off. We bought it just before Ana was born so that was 26 years of the 30 year mortgage. Both of our names were on the title and I was going to make sure she could not sell it or take out a second mortgage.
The one legal action that I had to do was to file for a legal separation. That only required my signature and could be done online. I checked for places to rent. I found a fully furnished townhouse. The rent was more than I wanted to pay but my options were limited. I took a six month lease with a month to month option after that. I put in a change of address with the post office and I was all set to move.
Carol still thought I was going to work. I left the next morning and went to breakfast. When I knew she was at work, I went back to the house and loaded my car with the rest of my stuff. I left a large envelope and my wedding ring on the kitchen table, locked the door on my way out and started a new chapter of my life.
*******
I arrived home this evening. The house was dark. Mike's car was not there. I had a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Upon entering, I called out for Mike. No answer. Maybe he was just running late. I changed clothes and went to the kitchen for a drink. Then I saw it. A large envelope was sitting on the table and on top of it was Mike's wedding ring. I knew this was going to be devastating. I was crying as I opened the envelope. There were two things inside. One was a copy of a filed legal separation and the other was a letter from Mike.
Opening the letter, I read:
Carol,
As you can see, I filed for a legal separation and moved out. All of the utilities have been transferred to your name. You are now responsible for all the bills and everything that goes with home ownership. Since you refused to abide by my request, you left me no choice. I have a new phone but kept my old number. My e-mail is still the same. Please use them for emergencies only.
Please do not attempt to find me. When you are ready to sign the divorce papers, contact me by e-mail. I will return so we can conclude our business.
Mike
I was devastated. Where could I get help? Who could I call? I felt like my life was over.
*******
A day on the road and I arrived at my new home. The townhouse was as advertised, so I was happy. It was in a small town in the mountains where we had spent a few vacations. All those years in the big city were behind me now. I was looking forward to some peace and quiet.
I checked in with the leasing agent, got the keys, and was soon in my new place. It took me a couple of days to get supplies and settle in to a new lifestyle. There were about 50 townhomes in the complex. Being in the mountains, there were a lot of people walking around just enjoying cool weather. I decided it was time to do some looking around.
As I was walking around, many of the residents came up and introduced themselves. Seems everyone was friendly and wanted to get a look at the new guy. I met so many people, I couldn't remember all their names. There was quite a mixture of residents. Married couples, singles, divorcees all lived in the complex.
There were several single women I met that afternoon. One was a blonde haired, green eyed beauty that looked very fit. Found out later, her name was Cindy and she ran her own pilates studio in town. She looked to be in her mid forties.
Another was a tall brown haired woman named Annie. She was very forward and did not hesitate to let me know she was 61 years old and widowed. I must say that she looked damn good for a 61 year old woman. She had to be 5'10" and had nice round tits. She was wearing a crop top that showed off her assets.
The next afternoon, I was sitting on my front porch when Annie came by. She had a bottle of wine as a welcome gift. She said "I wanted to welcome you to our neighborhood."
"That is awful nice of you. Do you have time for a drink?"
"Sure do. I have wine glasses at my place if you don't have any."
"I have glasses but not sure about any wine glasses."
"Then come over to my place."
"Let me get cleaned up and I will see you in 30 minutes."
"Ok, but don't take too long."
I was in the shower in no time. Dressed in a tee and casual shorts, I proceeded to Annie's townhouse. When she answered the door, I could see she also had showered and change clothes. She led me into the kitchen and handed me an opener for the wine. I learned her husband had died of a heart attack three years ago. They were wealthy so she did not lack for money. I noticed she had a lot of paintings in her front room. When I mentioned the number of paintings, she told me she is an artist and those were her paintings.
"Those are quite good. You must love to paint?"