Chapter 4

Derek quickly learned I’d visited his mother.

He called, his tone clearly off.

“Sarah, what were you doing at my mom’s?”

“Checking on her.”

“Why were you asking her about Vanessa Clarke?”

“I didn’t say much. Just asked who this friend you need to guarantee for is.”

Silence on the other end for a few seconds.

“Sarah, what exactly are you trying to do?”

“Me?” I laughed. “I’m not trying to do anything. But what about you, Derek? What are you trying to do?”

He hung up.

That evening, he showed up downstairs at my parents’ building.

“Sarah, we need to talk.”

I went downstairs and stood in front of him.

“Talk about what?”

“Did you find something out?” His eyes were evasive.

“What do you think?”

He licked his lips: “Vanessa… she’s just my business partner. Don’t misunderstand.”

“Business partner.” I nodded. “And that apartment on the west side is also part of your business venture?”

His expression changed.

“Also, your company made over eighty thousand in profit last year. Your share is sixty thousand. Where’s that money?”

He took a step back: “How… how do you know this?”

“Derek,” I looked at him, “did you think I was an idiot?”

He opened his mouth but couldn’t speak.

“The fake divorce agreement — house goes to you, car goes to you, thirty thousand in savings split in half.” I enunciated each word. “You planned to leave me with nothing, then openly be with Vanessa Clarke, didn’t you?”

His expression finally cracked.

“Sarah, let me explain…”

“I don’t want to hear it.” I turned toward the building.

“Wait!” He rushed after me. “The divorce agreement is already signed. It’s too late to back out!”

I stopped.

Turned to look at him.

“Who said I’m backing out?”

He froze.

“Derek, I signed that divorce agreement. I don’t regret it.” I said. “I just wanted to tell you — I have more on you than you think.”

“What… what do you mean?”

“Nothing much.” I smiled slightly. “Just think carefully about what you’ve done to me these past five years. Then wait for my lawyer’s letter.”

I went into the building without looking back.

Behind me came his voice: “Sarah! Sarah, stop right there!”

I ignored him.

The moment I closed the building door, I heard him violently kicking it from outside.

“Sarah! Don’t push me!”

I frantically pressed the elevator button.