He Thought I Had Nothing
After signing the papers, Preston leaned back in his chair as though he had just completed a difficult business deal.
“The downtown condo stays with me,” he said. “So does the Range Rover. We already agreed on that.”
I nodded. “Yes.”
He seemed surprised that I was not resisting. Then he added, “And since you wanted primary custody, you can handle the girls. I’ll see them when my schedule allows.”
The mediator looked uncomfortable. I felt something inside me grow colder, but I kept my voice steady.
“They’re your daughters, Preston. Not appointments you fit between meetings.”
He shrugged. “I’m starting over. Brielle and I have a baby coming. Things are complicated.”
Marcy, who had insisted on accompanying her brother, was standing near the door. She gave me a thin smile.
“Maybe this is better for everyone. Preston finally gets the family life he always wanted.”
I looked directly at her. “He already had a family.”
The room went quiet.
Preston rolled his eyes. “There you go again.”
I stood, picked up my handbag, and removed the condo keys. Then I placed them carefully on the table.
“Keep them.”
Preston looked satisfied.
I continued. “Just remember something. Possession and ownership are not always the same thing.”
His smile faded slightly. “What is that supposed to mean?”
I did not explain. Five minutes later, I walked outside.
