Chapter 2 - The White Envelope

One year later.

The Colorado air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and early snow. I stood on the back deck of my Lakewood home, holding a mug of hot coffee. The deck had been completely rebuilt—the old wood torn up and replaced with beautiful composite decking. I had changed the patio furniture, painted the house, and erased every lingering trace of Daniel and Ava from the property.

I heard a slide door open behind me.

"It’s freezing out here," said a warm, deep voice.

I turned and smiled. Marcus, a senior partner at my firm who I had started dating six months ago, stepped out onto the deck. He wrapped a thick wool blanket around my shoulders and kissed the top of my head.

"Just enjoying the quiet," I said, leaning into his chest.

Life had moved on beautifully. I was promoted to Director of Finance at my company. My home was a sanctuary of peace.

Through the grapevine, I heard the inevitable end of Daniel’s story. Without my money to keep the business afloat, he declared bankruptcy. The banks discovered the fraudulent loan applications during the liquidation process. Last I heard, he was living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment, working as a day laborer to pay off massive legal fines to avoid prison.

Ava had been forced to drop out of her elite private school and move in with one of Daniel’s cousins in a different state. Without a wealthy father or a tolerant stepmother to enable her, she was working part-time at a fast-food restaurant to afford a used car.

They got exactly what they earned.

I took a sip of my coffee, watching the sunrise paint the Rocky Mountains in brilliant shades of gold and pink. I didn't feel anger anymore. I didn't feel vindictive. I just felt profoundly, wonderfully free.

The barbecue that broke my marriage wasn't a tragedy. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because the moment Daniel told me to leave, he didn't just kick me out of his life.