Chapter 12

"Dr. Carter, do I need to educate you on marital property laws?" Annabelle lounged on the sofa, fingertips lightly tapping her glass. "Any property acquired during marriage is considered joint assets, even if purchased with personal funds."

"So Alexander gets half ownership, and that gives you the right to destroy my things?"

Annabelle smirked. "If you'd bought it before marriage, it would've been yours alone. Same applies after divorce."

"Are you implying something, Miss Taylor?"

"Don't misunderstand," Annabelle set down her glass. "Just sharing some legal basics."

Evelyn turned to Alexander. "Seems Miss Taylor is in excellent spirits."

"Evelyn..."

"Don't forget to transfer me $15." She headed for the bedroom. "As for the living room, it's your house—your rules."

Alexander caught her arm. "Stop this."

"Oh," Evelyn shook him off, "the curtains and sofa covers were my purchases. I have receipts. Miss Taylor will compensate for damages—I do know basic property laws."

"The roses are by the entryway. Handle them yourself."

The bedroom door slammed shut.

As Alexander knocked outside, she put on headphones and queued a random show.

When the episode ended, she opened the door thirsty—just in time to hear Annabelle's shrill voice: "...When did you become so spineless? Where's the confident Alexander I knew?"

"You think I should fight with her?"

"At least stop groveling! Marriage takes two—why should you always compromise?"

Alexander scoffed. "With your marital expertise, how'd your own marriage turn out?"

Annabelle paled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Cheated on while pregnant, left with nothing," his voice turned icy. "Did you really fly back just for my birthday?"

Her lips trembled silently.

"Stay out of my marriage."

"I'm trying to help!" Annabelle's voice cracked. "If Dr. Carter can't get along with anyone, shouldn't she reflect?"

"She gets along perfectly with my mother."

"Superficial politeness! How could she compare to my twenty-year bond with Aunt Margaret?"

Alexander stood abruptly. "What more do you want? Midnight stargazing, living in our marital home—still not enough?"

"Fine, I'll leave!" Annabelle grabbed her purse.

"It's the middle of the night—where would you go?"

"Not your concern!" Tears streamed down. "We're done!"

"Enough," Alexander seized her bag. "I can't let a pregnant woman stay alone at a hotel."

Bang!

Evelyn deliberately made noise.

Both turned. Alexander looked guilty; Annabelle's eyes glistened.

She couldn't stay another minute.

"Emergency at the hospital." She grabbed her bag and shoes.

Alexander reached for his keys. "I'll drive you."

"Miss Taylor needs your attention more."

She sped through the neighborhood, his shouts fading behind her.

"Driver, any hotel."

"There's one right—"

"The farther the better."

As the car pulled away, someone chased them in the rearview.

"Miss, that man—"

"Don't stop. Faster."