Chapter 145
Samuel sat at the kitchen table in the nearly empty Caldwell mansion, staring at the divorce papers spread before him like a death certificate for his marriage. The pen felt heavy in his hand as he read through the legal language that would end seven years of his life.
"Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: Samuel Richard Caldwell vs. Lora Bennett Caldwell."
The words blurred as Samuel thought about the woman he had married - the beautiful, confident Bennett heiress who had chosen him over dozens of wealthy suitors. That woman seemed like a stranger now, replaced by someone he barely recognized.
Emily entered the kitchen carrying another box of belongings. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her once-perfect hair hung limp and unwashed. "Are you really going through with this?"
Samuel looked up at his mother. "She broke into someone's house with a knife, Mother. She threatened to kill a nineteen-year-old boy. What choice do I have?"
"She's your wife," Emily said, setting d
