Chapter 11 - THE DIVORCE PAPERS HE NEVER EXPECTED
Preston received the divorce petition the following Monday.
He called me immediately.
I didn't answer.
Then he appeared outside my attorney's office.
Eleanor met him at the door.
“Mr. Hale.”
He looked furious.
“I need to speak with my wife.”
Eleanor remained calm.
“She's represented by counsel.”
Preston clenched his jaw.
“This is ridiculous.”
Eleanor nodded toward the documents in his hand.
“Then I suggest you discuss them with your attorney.”
Inside the conference room, I heard every word.
My hands shook.
But I didn't move.
For years, I'd been afraid of Preston's anger.
Now I understood that his anger didn't require my obedience.
The divorce proceedings began.
Financial records were reviewed.
Assets were identified.
And Preston's attempts to conceal certain accounts became relevant to the case.
His conditional equity award remained frozen.
The company's investigation continued.
Cassidy was also placed on leave while her role in the vendor transactions was examined.
One evening, Preston called from an unfamiliar number.
I answered before realizing who it was.
“Vivian.”
I closed my eyes.
“What do you want?”
His voice sounded strained.
“Can we talk?”
“Through our attorneys.”
“Please.”
I hesitated.
He continued.
“I made mistakes.”
I laughed bitterly.
“Mistakes?”
“Vivian—”
“You called me repulsive.”
Silence.
“You told me to cover my scars.”
He swallowed.
“You humiliated me.”
“I know.”
“You cheated on me.”
“I know.”
“And you were waiting for a financial reward before throwing me away.”
He said nothing.
I took a breath.
“Preston, I nearly died saving you.”
His voice broke.
“I know.”
I closed my eyes.
“And you made me wish I'd never survived.”
Silence.
Then he began crying.
“Vivian, I'm sorry.”
I wiped my tears.
For years, I'd dreamed of hearing those words.
Now they arrived too late.
I whispered:
“I believe you're sorry.”
He inhaled shakily.
May you like
“But I don't want to be your wife anymore.”
Then I ended the call.
