Chapter 5
I don’t have to wait long.
Two weeks later, Derek brings home a woman.
Young, gorgeous, some new intern from his firm named Angela.
He introduces her like it’s no big deal-she’s working on this huge case, pulling crazy hours, so she’ll be crashing in our guest room for convenience.
Says it with a straight face, like this is just standard office logistics.
Hell, he even whips out another contract right in front of me-“Temporary Residence Agreement.”
Spells out that Angela can’t use my personal stuff, can’t enter the master bedroom, all that jazz.
Clean boundaries, totally professional on paper.
But I know better. Guys like Derek-calculating bastards who plan every move-don’t bring home hot young colleagues without an agenda.
Maybe they haven’t crossed any lines yet, but Derek’s definitely laying groundwork for his next relationship.
Classic slow-burn strategy. Get me used to it, wear me down, then push me out gracefully.
Too bad for him-I’m not playing that game anymore.
That night I hear Angela showering in the guest room, hear Derek making excuses to hang around her door, their low laughter echoing down the hall.
I lie in our cold bed, hand on my still-flat stomach.
The baby I lost feels like it’s pushing me forward somehow.
grab my phone and dial a number I researched weeks ago.
Top-rated divorce attorney in the city. Woman who eats guys like Derek for breakfast.
When she picks up, I keep it simple.
‘Hi, Ms. Thompson. I’m ready.”
Next morning, Derek and Angela are at the breakfast table “discussing work.”
I put on my best dress, do my makeup, and calmly place a document in front of Derek.
I’m on the Operating To
He frowns, annoyed. “Jess, can’t you see I’m busy? Whatever this is-”
His words die when he reads the cover page.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
His face goes thundercloud dark.
Angela awkwardly sets down her fork, clearly wishing she was anywhere else.
“Are you done with this tantrum yet?” Derek’s voice is ice-cold fury.
I ignore his anger, meeting his glare head-on.
“This isn’t a tantrum, Derek. I’m informing you that we’re getting divorced.”
Hearing that, he leans back with that smug laugh I’ve grown to hate.
‘Fine by me. But don’t forget our prenup, sweetheart. You walk away with your little savings account and that’s it. House, my income, my assets-none of that’s yours. You sure you’ve thought this through?”
Still thinks he holds all the cards with that precious agreement.
I shake my head and pull out a thick manila folder, setting it on the table.
‘Actually, you’re wrong about that.”
look him dead in the eye.
‘YOU’re the one who’s going to lose everything, Derek.”
He starts laughing like I just told the world’s funniest joke. Opens the folder expecting God knows what.
The laughter dies instantly.
First page isn’t some emotional rant-it’s a formal attorney’s letter on expensive letterhead.
His pupils dilate as he stares at the document.
smile, voice soft but hitting like a sledgehammer.
‘Consider this my first gift to you, counselor.”
‘A formal notice from my attorney to you, the defendant.”
3611
I’m on
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