Mindy was celebrating her birthday when her ex-husband’s friend, Tom, caught her off guard. After a brief, awkward exchange, Tom confronted her about keeping Greg’s last name. His question seemed innocent at first, but as the conversation deepened, Mindy sensed something unsettling in his tone.

“Why do you still use his last name?” Tom pressed, his eyes narrowing. When Mindy explained it felt like part of her identity, Tom’s demeanor shifted dramatically.

“It’s complicated for me. You have to stop using it,” he insisted, revealing, “Greg’s with me now.”

Mindy’s heart sank. “What do you mean, ‘with you’?”

Tom’s cold laughter stung. “He’s been with me for years—before your divorce.”

The words hit her like a punch. Confusion turned to disbelief as Tom detailed how Greg had hidden their relationship, making her feel blindsided and betrayed.

The next morning, Mindy searched through old papers and found their prenup, which contained an infidelity clause. Anger and determination surged within her. Greg had deceived her, and she deserved justice.

After deciding to reclaim her maiden name, she confronted Greg. “You owe me,” she stated, placing the prenup before him. “You lied to me.”

As he stammered out excuses, she interrupted. “I’m done carrying your name.”

With that, she walked away, shedding the weight of betrayal and reclaiming her life, one step at a time.