Together? Yes. I folded the paper and put it in my pocket. Thanks. What are you going to do?
I started the truck. Nothing yet. Samuel looked at me. Why? Because I want to see what she does when she thinks I still don't know.
That was when I realized her birthday party wasn't going to be a celebration. It was going to be a test. The following week Angela became almost too perfect. She started calling me during the day just to ask how work was going. She left coffee on the counter before I left for the office.
She even began sitting beside me at night, something she hadn't done in months. I played along, not because I believed her, because I wanted to see how far she was willing to take the lie. One Thursday afternoon, she came into my office while I was checking invoices. Are you busy? Always.
She smiled. I was thinking about the birthday party. What about it? I want it to be special. It will be.
She walked behind my chair and put her hands on my shoulders. I want you to trust me. I stopped typing. That's an interesting thing to ask for. She moved around and stood in front of my desk.
Why? Because trust isn't something you request. Her smile faded. You've been different lately. I've been paying attention.
She stared at me. Are you accusing me of something? Not yet. Her eyes narrowed. What does that mean?
It means if I have a problem with you, I'll tell you. She stood there for another second, then she smiled again. Good. I don't want secrets between us. I almost laughed.
Instead, I said, "Neither do I." That evening, Samuel sent me another piece of information. Angela had booked a room at the Lakeside Hotel for the night of her birthday. It wasn't under her name. It was under Jacob's.
I stared at the message for a few seconds. Then, I called Samuel. You're sure? Absolutely. Any chance Angela isn't involved?
She made the reservation from her phone. The hotel confirmed it. I thanked him and ended the call. I didn't confront her. I didn't drive to Jacob's office.
I didn't call the hotel. I simply opened my laptop and started making a list. The next morning, I met with Michael Grant, a divorce attorney recommended by Samuel. He listened while I explained everything. When I finished, he asked, "Do you want to save the marriage?"
No. Are you certain? She asked me to give her another man for her birthday. Michael leaned back. Fair enough.
I handed him copies of our financial records. I want everything done cleanly. He looked through the documents. The house? Mine before the marriage.
Business? Mine. Joint accounts? We have two. Good.
Don't move money out of those. We'll handle them properly. I nodded. Michael looked at me. One more thing.
Don't tell Angela you're filing until we're ready. I wasn't planning to. That afternoon, I rented a small apartment across town. I moved only the things I needed, my documents, my work equipment, a few personal items. Then I went home.