You already know an attorney. I've been married to you for 1two years. I know enough about divorce to know neither of us should handle it emotionally. She nodded slowly. And the house?
We'll deal with everything properly. And us? I looked at her for a long moment. There is no us anymore. She looked down.
I picked up my phone and walked toward the stairs. Behind me, she said, I'm going to be happy with him. I stopped. Then I turned around. I hope you are.
She looked surprised again. I continued. Because once you walk out of this marriage for him, don't come back expecting me to be waiting in the same place. She said nothing. I went upstairs.
That night, Nicole slept in the guest room. I didn't. I sat at my desk until nearly midnight reviewing our finances and making a list of everything that needed to be separated. Not because I wanted revenge, because Nicole had made a decision. And I was going to make sure I handled mine with a clear head.
The next morning, Nicole was already dressed when I came downstairs. She had two suitcases beside the front door. I stopped. You're leaving? For a few days.
Where? I'm staying with my sister. I nodded. That's probably better. She looked at me carefully.
You really aren't going to fight this? No. You don't even want to try counseling? You told me you want a divorce because you believe you found someone else. I know.
So, what exactly would counseling change? She didn't answer. I walked past her and made coffee. For the first time since she came home, she looked uncertain, but I wasn't going to mistake uncertainty for regret. Two days later, I met with Grant Holloway, the attorney I had used for my business contracts for years.
I explained everything. Grant listened without interrupting. When I finished, he asked one question. Does she want the divorce? Yes.
Then, don't turn it into a war. That's what I want. He nodded. Keep communication focused on the house, accounts, property, and the legal process. Don't threaten her.
Don't make promises. And don't use the divorce to punish her. I won't. He prepared the paperwork. Nicole returned home that evening.
I put the documents on the dining table. She looked at them. This feels real. It is. She sat down.
For the next two hours, we went through everything. The house, our savings, our vehicles, the furniture, the accounts. There were no screaming matches, no dramatic accusations, just numbers and signatures. At one point, Nicole looked at me. You're really doing this.
You asked me to. I thought maybe you'd change your mind. I already told you. She looked down. I still care about you.
I know, but I'm in love with Trevor. I nodded. Then go build the life you want. She signed the next page. A week later, she moved out.
Trevor was waiting for her in New Orleans. She told me he had an apartment there and had already arranged for her to stay with him. I didn't ask how quickly everything had been planned. I didn't need to. Nicole packed her remaining things into a rented SUV.