The Secret in My Husband’s Glove Compartment Destroyed Our Two Years Chapter 03
William didn’t come back until the afternoon of the next day.
The moment he set down his keys, I spoke.
“I want a divorce.”
William froze.
“Why are you still hung up on this? There’s a camera in her place. You can check anytime. I slept on the couch all night.”
“Did she ask you to come home after midnight?”
William looked at me for a few seconds.
“She was crying so hard she could barely breathe. I couldn’t leave.”
“Then there’s nothing to talk about last night.”
I set the printed agreement in front of him.
“Joint savings will be split by contribution. The house gets divided based on what each of us put in before marriage. The car goes to you.”
“Camilla. There’s nothing between her and me.”
“I didn’t say you cheated.”
“Then why push for a divorce?”
“I’m not staying married to a guy who tracks another woman’s cycle but calls me dramatic for having cramps.”
“When did I ever call you dramatic?”
“I could barely stand from the pain on the third of last month. You told me to drink hot water and just get over it.”
William’s expression stiffened.
“I had a meeting that day.”
“So I can handle it. But she can’t.”
“Her situation was different.”
“Where’s the difference?”
“You’re stronger than her.”
I looked at him and suddenly had nothing left to say.
The doorbell rang. Leona stood outside holding a fruit basket, her eyes red and swollen.
“Camilla, I came to apologize.”
“I called William, but he didn’t answer. I was scared you two were fighting because of me.”
She set the fruit down, her voice dropping lower.
“If I left this city, would you forgive him?”
“Don’t say that.”
William cut in immediately.
“Nobody’s forcing you to leave.”
“But Camilla wants a divorce.”
“That’s our business.”
“It’s all because of me.”
Leona pulled out a bill, her fingers trembling slightly.
“I still need about twelve thousand for the follow-up exams and this month’s living expenses. I didn’t want to trouble you, but I can’t make it through the month.”
“I’ll cover it.”
William picked up his phone and opened our joint checking account right in front of me.
“William. That money is for the mortgage payment next week.”
“It’s an emergency. I’ll put it back by the end of the month.”
“How many times have you done this?”
His hand stopped.
“Not many.”
I logged into the account and pulled up the last six months of statements.
Twenty-seven thousand dollars had been withdrawn from the mortgage fund.
Eighteen thousand had gone to a real estate agency’s escrow account. Another nine thousand had been split into multiple transfers to Leona, with memos for follow-ups, hospital stays, and living expenses.
“This is for treatment too?”
“Her lease was up. I covered her security deposit.”
“Eighteen thousand for a security deposit?”
“Her place required a full year’s rent upfront.”
“We’re married. Don’t nickel-and-dime it.”
“I’m your wife. Did you even ask about my opinions beforehand?”
“She’s in a tough spot. Why are you fixated on the money?”
“Because I worked six years for that down payment on our house.”
Leona took off a bracelet and set it on the table.
“I’ll sell my jewelry and pay Camilla back.”
William pushed the bracelet back to her.
“Nobody’s asking you to devalue yourself.”
Then he turned to me, his gaze tinged with reproach.
“I’ll handle this. Stop provoking her.”
I walked into the bedroom and opened the suitcase I’d already packed.
My bank cards and ID were gone.
“I put them away for you.”
“Once you calm down, I’ll give them back.”
William folded the divorce agreement.
“Camilla. I know you don’t really want a divorce.”
“Don’t threaten me with it. Don’t gamble with your own life.”
He touched my head, his voice almost gentle.
“Stay here. I’ll get everything sorted.”
From outside the door, Leona murmured that she’d just had her checkup and was feeling dizzy.
William told her to stay in the guest room for the night. He didn’t even ask if I agreed.
Leona sat behind him, carefully slipping that bracelet back onto her wrist.
I didn’t ask about my documents again. I was planning a different way to leave him.