After a few years of marriage, my husband’s shop closed down. Instead of trying to start another business or find a job, he did nothing. I took on all the responsibilities, running our home, paying the bills, even sending money to his family.

Meanwhile, I focused on growing my own business. I managed it well, expanded and employed more staff. We had three sons and despite carrying the full financial burden, my husband insisted I have two more children. I quietly ignored him.

I had a car, which I allowed him to use for school runs and personal errands. I never told anyone that I was the one holding everything together. In front of friends, family and even my staff, I always spoke well of him and respected him.

One day, his father called to say he was coming to visit. I stayed home and made food. When he arrived, he came with five other people. I quickly prepared more food to accommodate them. After we ate, my mother-in-law commended me for being a good wife. Then she said they came to beg on behalf of their son, because he had gotten another woman pregnant.

The woman turned out to be one of my staff. I was shocked and angry.

I turned to her and fired her on the spot. Then I told my husband to move his pregnant lover’s belongings into the visitors’ room. My in-laws praised me for how well I handled it.

After that day, I stopped restocking the house. I stopped buying fuel for the generator and the car. I paid for a school bus to take my kids to school and only bought food for myself and the children.

Later, I offered my husband some money on the condition that he sign certain documents. Once that was done, I began processing our visas to relocate.

Five months later, I got our papers. I told my husband I was taking the kids to spend the weekend at my parents’ place. When I got there, I told my mother everything. She tried to convince me to stay, but my mind was made up. I traveled with my children.

Days later, my father-in-law called. He said my husband had told them everything and begged me to reconsider. I told him I’d return after one year for one reason only, for his son to sign our divorce papers.