The night before I gave birth, I overheard my husband secretly offer the doctor $500,000 to make sure I died during delivery so he could start a new life with his five-month-pregnant mistress. I pretended to be asleep—but by the next day, his plan had completely backfired.

She pointed to a clause.

I had forgotten it existed.

If either spouse was convicted of certain serious crimes against the other spouse, that spouse waived claims to several additional marital benefits.

I looked up.

“Grandma.”

Laura smiled faintly.

“Your grandmother had aggressive lawyers.”

I almost laughed.

My grandmother had never trusted romance without documentation.

At twenty-eight, I thought she was cynical.

At thirty-five, I wanted to build her a statue.

Part 6

Vanessa contacted me on the fifth day.

I did not answer.

She sent a message.

Please call me.

I deleted it.

Another came.

I did not know.

That one made me stop.

Did not know what?

That Daniel was married?

Impossible.

She had eaten Christmas dinner in my house.

That I was pregnant?

Impossible.

She touched my stomach.

That he planned to kill me?

Maybe.

I showed Laura.

She told me not to respond yet.

The next day, Vanessa’s attorney contacted her.

That changed everything.

Vanessa wanted to cooperate.

I laughed when Laura told me.

“Of course she does.”

“She may have information.”

“She slept with my husband.”

“That does not make her useless.”

I stared at her.

“You’re enjoying this.”

“No.”

“You sound like you are.”