Chapter 12 - THE DIVORCE SHE DIDN'T FEAR
Laurel filed for divorce.
The proceedings were difficult.
There were properties.
Investments.
Business interests.
And years of complicated financial arrangements.
But Laurel had something she had not possessed before.
Independent legal representation.
Evidence.
And the confidence to make decisions without asking Beckett's permission.
She requested a fair division of marital assets.
She also sought appropriate protections regarding future contact.
Beckett did not contest the divorce itself.
He signed the necessary documents.
He did not ask for another chance.
When the divorce was finalized, Laurel stood outside the courthouse.
Daniel waited beside her.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
Laurel considered.
“Sad.”
Daniel nodded.
“And?”
She smiled faintly.
“Free.”
He put an arm around her shoulders.
They walked toward the parking lot.
Laurel looked up at the sky.
For sixteen years, she had been Mrs. Shaw.
May you like
Now she was Laurel Mercer again.
And the name felt like coming home.
