CHAPTER 2: THE HOUSE IS MINE
For the first time that day, Noah looked afraid.
"What is this?" he asked again, flipping through the pages.
Ava remained calm.
"The deed. The mortgage records. The purchase agreement."
Noah's face tightened.
"That can't be right."
"It is."
Diane grabbed the folder from his hands.
Seconds later, her confidence vanished as well.
"But Noah paid for this house!"
Ava shook her head.
"No. Noah contributed to household expenses. The down payment came from my inheritance. Every legal document was placed solely in my name."
Claire's eyes widened.
The color drained from her face.
"So... this isn't your house?" she whispered to Noah.
Noah ignored her.
"Ava, stop being dramatic."
Ava laughed.
"Drama? You moved your mistress into my home without asking."
Lily stood beside her mother.
For the first time all day, she looked proud.
"Mom doesn't owe any of you anything."
Noah slammed the folder onto the table.
"We're married!"
"Not for much longer."
The room froze.
Ava reached into the folder again.
This time she pulled out divorce papers.
Already prepared.
Already signed.
Noah stared at them.
"You planned this?"
"No," Ava replied. "I prepared for the possibility years ago."
Noah suddenly realized something.
His wife had known him better than he knew himself.
The confidence that had carried him all day began slipping away.
"You can't throw me out."
Ava smiled.
"Actually, I can."
Then she pointed toward the front door.
"You, your mother, and Claire have one hour."
For the first time, nobody argued.
Because everyone knew she was right.
Legally.
May you like
Completely.
And they had nowhere to hide.
