PART 1

The courtroom in Columbus, Ohio, was silent that morning.

Avery Monroe stood beside her lawyer, one hand resting on her eight-month pregnant belly. She looked calm, but it was the kind of calm that came after too many nights of crying alone.

Across from her sat Brent Harlan, her husband, dressed in a dark suit and wearing the confidence of a man who thought he had already won. Beside him was Sloane Mercer, the woman he had chosen over his wife.

Judge Helen Carrington looked over the papers.

“Mrs. Monroe-Harlan, you are asking for the divorce to be granted today. You are also giving up the house, the savings, the cars, and any claim to Mr. Harlan’s business. Is that correct?”

A murmur spread through the courtroom.

Avery’s lawyer leaned close. “Avery, you don’t have to give up everything.”

But Avery kept her eyes on the judge.

“Yes, Your Honor,” she said quietly.

Sloane let out a small laugh.

The judge immediately looked at her. “Ms. Mercer, one more interruption and you will wait outside.”

Avery took a slow breath.

“I don’t want the house where he brought her while I was at doctor appointments,” she said. “I don’t want the money he used to buy gifts for another woman. I don’t want anything connected to the lies. I only want peace.”

Brent suddenly stood.

 

 

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