When I came downstairs, she was sitting at the kitchen table. She looked exhausted. Did you sleep? Not really. I spoke to an attorney.
Her face changed already. Yes, Peter, it's Saturday. I know. You couldn't even wait until Monday. I have a meeting Monday.
She stared at me. You've really decided. You told me you found another man. I said I was confused. No, you said there was someone else.
You told me his name. You told me how long it had been going on. You told me how he made you feel. She looked away. I didn't think you'd actually divorce me.
I stood there for a moment. Then you weren't listening. Her eyes filled with tears. Can we at least talk about this before you do something permanent? This is already permanent.
Peter, 15 years can't just disappear overnight. No. I picked up my keys. 15 years don't disappear. I looked at her.
They end. I walked out. For the first time since Alice told me about Thomas, I felt completely clear about what I was going to do. I wasn't going to compete with another man. I wasn't going to beg my wife to stay.
And I wasn't going to wait around hoping she changed her mind. She had asked for a different life. I was going to give her one, just not the one she expected. Monday morning, I met Michael Lawson at his office downtown. I brought every document he had asked for and a few more.
He went through the financial records carefully while I explained the situation. Your wife is involved with another man? He asked. Yes. Has she admitted the relationship?
She told me herself. Do you have proof? I haven't needed it. Michael looked at me. That's unusual.
I don't care who she sleeps with. I care about ending the marriage properly. He nodded. Then we'll keep this simple. That was exactly what I wanted.
There were no children, no complicated business partnerships between Alice and me, and most of our finances were already clearly documented. The biggest issues were the house, our savings, investments, and some personal property. Michael explained the process. We'll file first, then we'll exchange financial information. After that, we negotiate the settlement.
How long? If both sides cooperate, several months. Good. He raised an eyebrow. You don't want to slow it down?
No. He closed the folder. Then don't let emotion turn this into a fight. I won't. I went home that afternoon and told Alice.
The papers are being prepared. She was standing in the kitchen. She looked at me for several seconds. You actually filed? Yes, Peter.
I thought maybe you needed some time. I've had enough time. She sat down. I haven't even moved out. Then you should start deciding where you're going.
She looked hurt. You make it sound so easy. It isn't easy. Then why are you acting like it is? Because making it harder doesn't change the result.