Within two months, the business entered bankruptcy.
She eventually accepted a legal resolution that required restitution and probation, and her business license was suspended.
Diane challenged the termination notice.
She lost.
The security footage clearly showed what had happened during Christmas dinner.
Her attorney eventually convinced her that continuing the dispute would only cost more money.
She and Robert moved into a modest condominium.
Not long afterward, Robert filed for legal separation.
He later told Ethan that Christmas had forced him to recognize how many years he had spent excusing Diane’s behavior.
Six months later, Ethan and I bought a small house outside the city.
There was no marble staircase.
No enormous chandelier.
No rooms designed to impress strangers.
It was simply warm.
Lily planted daisies beside the front porch.
One summer evening, I watched her run through the yard while Ethan prepared dinner outside.
My phone buzzed.
A message from Diane.
