PART 1

The courtroom in Crestview, Missouri, had fallen so quiet that even the faint buzz of the overhead lights seemed impossibly loud, like insects trapped above the heads of everyone in attendance.

Audrey stood beside her attorney, one hand resting protectively on her swollen belly.

Eight months pregnant and exhausted from countless sleepless nights, she looked nothing like the hopeful young woman who had walked into that same courthouse seven years earlier to obtain a marriage license with Julian Vance.

Across the room, Julian sat rigidly in his chair.

His expensive navy suit was immaculate, his jaw clenched, and the wedding band that had once occupied his finger was already gone.

Sitting beside him was his mistress, Clara Sterling.

At thirty-one, she was elegant, polished, and visibly pleased with herself, smiling as though she had already won.

Every few moments, she leaned toward Julian and whispered something that caused the corner of his mouth to twitch.

Judge Norris adjusted her glasses and reviewed the paperwork in front of her.

“Mrs.

Vance,” she said, “your petition states that you are seeking an immediate dissolution of marriage and are surrendering any claim to the marital residence, the joint savings account, both vehicles, and Mr.

Vance’s ownership interests in his business.

Is that correct?”

A ripple of whispers moved through the gallery.

Audrey’s attorney stiffened.

“Your Honor, my client fully understands…”

“I asked Mrs.