He showed me documents — legal ones. They weren’t screenshots from gossip sites, but court records and investigative summaries.
Arthur had filed for private bankruptcy two years before meeting me — and he never disclosed it. There were records of defaulted business loans, credit cards in collections, and unpaid back taxes. A lawsuit from his ex-wife outlined years of hidden finances and missed alimony.
“He’s a serial manipulator,” Caleb said, voice thick with disgust. “He targets women with money. Rowan has your name and your connections. He’s using her, Mom.”
I was stunned into silence as I thought back to my short-lived life with Arthur.
Before our wedding, I had insisted on a prenup. It wasn’t because I thought he would take advantage of me, but because after years of navigating divorce with money involved, I knew better.
He hesitated at first, saying it felt unromantic. But I told him flatly, “If this is about love, then a piece of paper won’t scare you.” He signed it — though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes after that.
Things changed soon after.
