"What about our future?"
Nick gave me a cold look. "You still think there's an 'our'? I've already spoken to a lawyer about our divorce."
I couldn't breathe for a second. "You really waited until after surgery to do this to me?"
He stood up slowly then, irritation flashing across his face. "Don't bother, Rachel."
"Don't do what?"
Nick didn't answer. He just walked upstairs.
That silence told me everything.
"Don't bother, Rachel."
***
When I was officially served, the documents listed primary custody, full rights to the house, the car, the garage, and even my savings. There was even a statement questioning my "emotional stability" following surgery.
Nick had retained the services of the best lawyer in the state, Daniel. So I needed my own representation too, but I didn't have that kind of money, especially after Nick started funneling our funds elsewhere.
I realized Nick wanted me to be left with nothing.
No house, no security, not even enough money to cover long-term medical follow-ups.
Nick had retained the services of the best lawyer in the state.
After the divorce, that's exactly what happened. I was left absolutely broke, living with my sister, my baby in tow.
***
The night before my next court appearance, Chloe climbed into my bed. She was 11, old enough to understand divorce, but still so young that she believed love fixed things.
"I don't want to leave you, Mommy. I want to live with you," Chloe sobbed.
I held her carefully against my side. "Don't cry, my angel. I'll figure something out, sweetheart. I love you. Everything will be okay."
But even as I said it, I knew I didn't have a miracle.
"I want to live with you, Mommy."
