Something Old (The Jilted Series #1) - Liz Lovelock Page 0,1

a single sheet of paper across the table to him.

“But . . .” Craig jumps up from his seat. His face is flaming red, and heavy breaths push from his mouth. “I’m owed something.” It almost sounds like a growl.

His eyes burn into Vivian’s.

Her expression is blank and devoid of emotion, very professional. “Craig, you’ve been married for eighteen months and together for two years in total. All properties are in my client’s name, and she owned them before you came into her life. What makes you think you are owed anything? She has worked hard for what she has, but according to my records, you haven’t been working for the past six months. You’ve been living off her hard work since then.”

“It’s not my fault she’s a workaholic and couldn’t be bothered with her marriage,” he mutters before sitting back down.

“So, me working meant it was okay for you to sleep with someone else? Did she make you feel better? And if you had read the whole document before you signed it, you’d know it states that if you cheat, you get nothing except what you came into the marriage with. Don’t give me your sob story, Craig. You made your bed—now you have to sleep in it. Can we finish this up now?” The words rush from me, my chest tight.

Vivian twists in my direction. Her mouth hangs open, and her eyes are wide. “I thought we weren’t going to use that against him.”

“I was trying to let him keep some dignity. I guess that’s out the window now,” I whisper.

“How did—” Craig stares at me.

“You may think I had my face buried in my work, but I noticed the little things. I noticed the nights you were gone, the secret calls and text messages. I’m not blind to what goes on around me.” I rest back into my seat.

The room turns stale and silent.

Vivian doesn’t take too long to bring all the attention back to what needs to happen. Her in a courtroom is powerful; I think men underestimate her. “Well, this should be wrapped up in a neat little bow from here on out. I suggest we just get the paperwork signed and move on with our day.” She clicks her pen, rests it on the settlement agreement, and then slides it across the table. The winning grin plastered on her face says it all.

I can’t wait for this entire charade to be over. Perhaps I’m destined to become a cat woman. Being alone may not be such a bad thing; it’s something I could get accustomed to. My father wasn’t around much, Mom kept herself busy, and I seem to marry and divorce any guy that catches my attention. I’ve learned my lesson now. No more guys—just work.

By the end of the meeting, I walk out with everything still intact—all the belongings I had at the start of our marriage, thanks to Vivian’s wise advice. I’d hate to see my publishing business destroyed. It’s something that’s mine and mine alone.

“Well, that’s it, then. Please don’t marry anyone else for the time being.” Vivian struts beside me, her black, shiny heels clicking on the marbled floor as we exit the building.

I laugh and playfully shove her shoulder. “Thanks for everything.”

The lump in my throat thickens; no one wants to admit their husband has been unfaithful.

Vivian’s arm wraps around my shoulders. “I’m here for you. Let’s grab some lunch and have a cocktail or two. What do you say?”

“No, thanks. I’m just going back to the office and drowning myself in work.”

She stops and faces me, the worry lines in her forehead more predominant. Her hands go to her hips. “Don’t do that. Don’t shut yourself away.” Now comes the lecture. She crosses her arms over her navy-blue satin top, her cream pencil skirt complimenting it well.

The lasso wrapped around my chest tightens. “I just want to be alone right now. Maybe we can catch up later this week.”

Vivian agrees, and we say our goodbyes. I head in the direction of my office a couple of blocks away. It’s my safe place. The one thing that keeps me grounded and happy.

I can’t believe how my life has turned out. I’ve messed things up.

The only sound I hear is my high heels clicking on the sidewalk, and I scan all the faces around me. People-watching is something I enjoy. A woman with a baby—perhaps it’s a secret baby, and the father doesn’t even know the cutie in the