Chapter 3

Last day of the countdown.

Today, Sophie's case goes to trial.

Eight a.m. I walk into the courthouse prep room.

Preston sits at the table in a sharp suit, reading his closing statement. Sophie is right beside him, adjusting his tie. Cute little couple portrait. Makes me want to throw up.

He hears the door and looks up.

"What do you want?"

His voice is annoyed. Cocky. Like he thinks I'm here to beg.

I ignore it.

I pull a manila envelope from my bag and slide it across the table.

"Sign this."

Sophie's eyes flicker. She's scared I've got something on her.

She fakes a shiver. Her hand "slips." A cup of water flips over, right onto the envelope. Soaks the front.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, so sorry!"

Preston softens instantly. Grabs her hand. Wipes the water off her wrist like she's made of glass.

"It's fine, baby. I've got you. We're winning this thing."

Then he turns to me. Cold as a knife.

"Nina. Look what you did!"

"Trial starts in an hour, and you show up to mess with my head? If you have any professionalism left, get out."

I push the wet envelope closer.

"Sign it. Then I'm gone." My voice doesn't shake.

He looks at my blank face. My stubbornness pisses him off. He just wants me out so he can go back to comforting his princess.

He doesn't even glance at the cover page. Flips straight to the back. Uncaps his pen. Signs.

"There. Now leave." He tosses it back at me. Doesn't look up again.

I pick it up. Check the signature. All there.

I turn around and walk out.

Outside the courthouse, the sun is so bright my eyes sting.

I glance down at the paperwork in my hand.

It's not a case file. It's not a firm transfer document.

It's divorce papers.

I pull out my phone. Call Ryan.

"I'm heading to the airport now."

His voice on the other end — calm, warm.

"I'll be waiting. Safe flight."

I flag down a cab.

"JFK, please. International terminal."

The city blurs past the window.

Meanwhile, inside the courtroom, Preston is putting on a show. Cross-examining witnesses. Twisting facts. Winning.

When it's over, he smooths his suit. Smirks like a king.

He thinks he just pulled off a flawless defense.

He thinks he won.

He saved Sophie.

He has no idea he just lost me. Forever.