When my husband fell seriously ill, I finally had a reason to step into his office after seven years of marriage. All I wanted was to ask for his sick leave. Instead, the receptionist froze, eyes widening as she studied my face. “The man you’re talking about… he owns this company. Our boss and his wife arrive and leave together every day. Unless… you’re not his wife.” In that second, my world cracked open.

“You are being served,” the man replied, handing him a thick sheaf of papers. “Divorce petition, asset freeze, and temporary restraining order regarding the dissipation of marital funds. Effective as of 5 P.M. today, all your personal accounts and named corporate discretionary funds are frozen pending investigation.”

The words hung in the air like smoke.

“Frozen?” Genevieve shrieked. “What do you mean, frozen?”

“It means,” I said, turning to her with a pleasant smile, “that the necklace you’re wearing is now evidence.”

The officer regarded the jewelry around her neck.

“Ma’am,” he said professionally, “if that item was purchased within the last forty-eight hours with funds from the named accounts, it is considered contested marital property. We’ll need you to surrender it pending the court’s decision.”

“You’re joking,” she gasped, clutching the diamonds like a lifeline. “You can’t be serious.”

“Take it off,” Steven snapped, his voice low and furious. “Don’t make a scene.”

“But you promised,” she whispered, eyes filling with furious tears. “You promised it was mine!”

“Take it off,” he repeated.