The conference room went silent as Seth looked at the bank manager, then at Arthur, and finally across the table at me.

“Natalie, please,” Seth said, his voice dropping to a soft murmur.

“We spent three years building a future together.

Don’t do this to me.”

I adjusted my silver wristwatch, feeling the metal band lie flat against my wrist.

“Sign the papers, Seth,” I said.

Seth picked up the pen, his fingers stiff as he signed his name on four marked lines.

Mr.