Around the same time, the condo was appraised as part of the divorce process.

Dennis had repeatedly claimed it was entirely his, yet the purchase and payment history told a more complicated story.

It had been acquired during the marriage, with funds whose characterization and allocation were disputed.

Elaine never promised me the result I wanted.

She explained the possible outcomes and reminded me that a court order or negotiated settlement, not Dennis’s declarations, would determine what happened.

One evening she asked what I wanted most.