“I’m not.”
“I believe you. But we need evidence.”
I thanked her and ended the call.
For the first time since this nightmare began, I felt something stronger than fear.
I felt determination.
Friday evening arrived.
I spent the afternoon cleaning the house, preparing dinner, and packing Sean’s suitcase. I even folded his favorite shirts, just as I had done before every business trip.
When he saw the suitcase near the front door, he smiled.
“You really are taking this well.”
I looked at him.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
He seemed unable to answer.
At seven o’clock, Nancy and Alex arrived.
Nancy wore a cream-colored dress and carried a small overnight bag. She hugged me tightly, but her embrace felt stiff and unfamiliar.
Alex shook my hand.
“Are you sure you’re comfortable with all this?” he asked quietly.
Before I could answer, Sean interrupted.
“Of course she is. We’ve all agreed.”
I looked at Alex.
His expression suggested that he had been given a different version of events from the one his wife had received.
That was the first sign that this arrangement was already beginning to fall apart.
We sat in the living room. Sean talked enthusiastically about the supposed benefits of trying something new, while Nancy avoided looking directly at me.
Finally, I placed my glass on the table.
“Before anyone leaves, there’s something I’d like us to discuss.”
Sean smiled.
“What’s that?”
“The rules.”
He relaxed.
“Of course. We should establish boundaries.”
“Exactly,” I said. “And I think everyone should understand what they’re agreeing to.”
I reached for the folder beside my chair.
Inside were copies of the loan notice, the bank’s correspondence, and the documents Patricia had advised me to preserve.
Sean’s smile disappeared when he recognized the bank’s letterhead.
“What’s that doing here?”
I opened the folder.
Before we exchange partners, I want to know why someone applied to borrow $240,000 against our home.”
Nobody spoke.
Nancy’s face lost its color.
Alex slowly turned toward her.
“What is she talking about?”
Sean stood up.
“This is a private matter between my wife and me.”
“Then explain it to your wife,” I replied. “Because I certainly don’t remember agreeing to that loan.”
He reached for the folder.
I pulled it away.
“Don’t.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Vanessa, you’re making a mistake.”
“Maybe. That’s why I asked the bank to review the application.”
Nancy stood abruptly.
“I think we should leave.”
Alex looked at her.
“Why are you in such a hurry?”
She didn’t answer.
I turned to Rachel, who had arrived a few minutes earlier at my invitation and was waiting near the hallway.
“Rachel, would you please explain why you contacted me about New Beginnings Holdings?”
Sean spun around.
See more on the next page
