Chapter 4 - The Quiet Plan
Emily met attorney Naomi Brooks on a Tuesday afternoon.
She told Daniel she had a client meeting. In a way, she did. The client was herself.
Naomi reviewed the deed, the marriage agreement, and Daniel’s messages.
“You do not need his permission to end this marriage,” she said.
“I keep thinking he’ll become the person I married again.”
Naomi folded her hands. “The person you married respected your home. The person he is now is trying to make you forget it is yours.”
Naomi advised Emily to document every incident, protect her accounts, change passwords, and prepare a safe exit plan. Emily opened a new bank account, moved Rose’s jewelry into secure storage, and told building security that only she could authorize access changes.
She also activated the apartment’s old security system.
Rose had installed cameras near the elevator and entry hall. Emily added one facing the dining room entrance. She hated recording her own home, but Daniel soon gave her another reason to keep it.
He invited a real estate agent to dinner without telling her. Emily overheard Daniel and Vivian discussing the apartment’s market value.
When she confronted him, he laughed.
“Couples discuss assets.”
“You told the agent you might sell.”
“This place keeps you tied to the past.”
“It is not for sale.”
Vivian smiled over her glass. “Everything is for sale at the right price.”
That night, Emily emailed Naomi.
I am ready.
May you like
They planned to file for divorce on Monday.
But on Sunday evening, Vivian set the dining table for a celebration Emily had never agreed to attend.
