Vows of Deception: Something old, new, borrowed, and BLUE... by K. Harris Page B

video.”
    “Are you sure this is what you want? Hear me out.” She said quickly before Danni could get started on her argument. “A lot of women jump straight to divorce when they felt they have been dealt a bad hand. During the process they have second, third, and sometimes forth thoughts about proceedings. Those extra hesitations cost a lot of money. I just don’t want to waste your money or my time if this is purely an emotional cry for help.”
    “Have you thought about going to counseling?” She asked after letting her speech settle in.
    “I am a therapist. I have thought about going and giving him another chance. The truth is I would never be able to get over this. The vengeful side will always bring it up or suspect he is up to no good. A healthy relationship would never thrive from the lack of trust.”
    “It seems you have thought this over thoroughly. Now I must tell you that this is going to be quite hard taking into consideration that you two may have many joint ventures. Do you own your home? Have joint accounts? Retirements?”
    “So this is going to be a hard fight? If you take the case.”
    “I will be honest with you. There is nothing easy about a divorce no matter how simple some make it seem. There are a lot of factors into separating lives that were joined together under the impression that it was for a lifetime. If the other party decides to contest the divorce it could take longer than normal.” Mrs. Jones said. “Also I must warn you that under North Carolina law, divorces are not typically granted for adultery unless you have been apart for a year.”
    “He has voiced he doesn’t think I will file but I don’t see why he would contest it. I don’t have any monies that would interest him. To be honest he makes more than I do. As for the separation part, we co-exist in our home. Although I don’t feel safe there.
    “That may be but you will be surprised at what measures some people go to if they want to cause problems for the other.”
    “Is there anything I can do about him refusing to leave the home?”
    “Legally no unless there is a threat that violence could occur.”
    “Violence will occur if he continues to try and push up on me. I hate his smug face.”
    “Oh no. Well I suggest you leave if it’s that bad.”
    “…”
    “I understand totally. It’s your house. You probably put a lot into the home to make it your own.”
    “No. No. You’re right. I should leave and just let him have it. Honestly it doesn’t feel like home. Just a big empty shell of a place that seems lonely and cold. I was more focused on the financial aspect.”
    “Congratulations on taking the first step towards finding yourself outside of being Mrs. Graves. I will be happy to take your case for you.”
    “Thank you so much.” Danni breathed a sigh of relief.
    “You are most welcome.” Mrs. Jones said with a smile. “I have one final question for you. What do you expect to gain from this?”
    “I hate to sound like Tina Turner in ‘What’s love got to do with it’ but all I want is my name. Nothing means a thing if I can’t get back to being myself before meeting him.”
    “Excellent point. Do you have any questions for me before we get the necessary information needed to start the process?”
    “Just one. About the retainer. How does that work?”
    “The fee is an upfront fee for me to basically file all of the proper paperwork, have my research team gather the necessary items to divide things accordingly, and so forth. When the divorce is final he will end up having to cover those costs as well as any other fees occurred by the courts.” Danni was thinking in her head how she was going to come up with the upfront retainer. She desperately wanted out of this marriage but how was she going to afford it. Then she needed to consider what it was going to cost to move out.
    “I see the wheels turning in your head so let me offer one more good deed. Off the record, if you tell anyone I