Money used on the affair was examined.
Certain expenditures were credited in negotiations.
The separate transfers Lauren had made were accounted for.
But Andrew did not simply “freeze everything” and keep the house because Lauren cheated.
That was not how marriage, property, or law worked.
Eventually, Andrew refinanced the home and compensated Lauren for the share established in the settlement.
She kept other assets.
Retirement interests were divided according to the agreement.
Each paid attorneys.
The process was expensive enough that Andrew occasionally thought the only people who clearly won divorces were the people billing by the hour.
James did not appreciate that joke.
Rebecca did.
Lauren tried repeatedly to speak with Andrew outside counsel.
At first, he refused.
Then, at Rebecca’s suggestion, they had one controlled conversation in her office.
Lauren looked different.
Thinner.
Tired.
No makeup.
She sat across from Andrew at a conference table where they had once signed estate-planning documents years earlier.
That irony did not escape either of them.
“I’m sorry.”
It was the first thing Lauren said.
Andrew looked at her.
“For what?”
Her eyes filled.
“Do I really have to list it?”
“Yes.”
The answer surprised her.
Andrew continued.
“I need to know what you’re apologizing for.”
Lauren looked down.
“For Wesley.”
“For lying.”
“For the hotel.”
“For saying things about you that were cruel.”
“For moving money without telling you.”
Andrew waited.
Lauren swallowed.
“And for the hospital.”
“What about it?”
“I let him convince me things were normal that weren’t.”
Andrew felt anger move through him.
“You were a senior nurse.”
“I know.”
“You knew records had limits.”
“I know.”
“You knew billing documentation mattered.”
“Yes.”
“Then don’t make him responsible for all of it.”
Lauren looked up.
“I’m not.”
“Good.”
She wiped one eye.
“I loved the way he made everything feel exciting.”
Andrew said nothing.
“He made me feel young.”
Still nothing.
“You were always dependable.”
She gave a broken laugh.
“I used to love that.”
“What changed?”
“I don’t know.”
“That isn’t good enough.”
“I know.”
She looked at him.
“I think somewhere along the way I started feeling like our whole life had already been decided.”
Andrew stared.
“We built that life together.”
“I know.”
“You chose the house.”
“I know.”
“You pushed for the college accounts.”
“Yes.”
“Costa Rica was your idea.”
Lauren closed her eyes.
“I know.”
“Then the day I nearly died, I suggested we finally go.”
“I remember.”
“And you acted like I was irresponsible.”
Lauren began crying quietly.
Andrew felt no satisfaction.
Only exhaustion.
“Why?”
She shook her head.
“Because Wesley had already asked me to go somewhere with him.”
The room went completely still.
Andrew stared.
“Where?”
“Costa Rica.”
That hurt more than he expected.
Lauren whispered:
“I couldn’t stand hearing you say it.”