Two weeks earlier, while checking our household accounts, I discovered Daniel had secretly withdrawn forty thousand dollars from our emergency fund.
Then I found credit-card statements for jewelry, expensive dinners, and a hotel suite booked under his name on nights he claimed to be working late.
So that morning, when he demanded more money, I gave him one answer.
“No.”
Steam still rose from the tea soaking my blouse.
Daniel pointed at the front door.
“You heard me. Leave.”
Vivian finally looked up and smiled.
“Maybe a night outside will teach you gratitude.”
I lowered the towel.
“Fine.”
Daniel blinked.
He had expected begging.
Instead, I walked upstairs, packed one suitcase, grabbed my laptop, passport, and a slim blue folder from the locked drawer in my study.
“What’s in that?” he snapped.
“Something you should have read before throwing tea at me.”
He laughed.
I left without another word.
