The doorbell buzzed. At the door were the husband’s folks. …

“And you, husband!” She turned to Jake. “Pack your stuff and get out.”
“I’m your husband. I have a right to stay here,” Jake smirked.
“I’ll divorce you.”
“Go ahead and try. I won’t make it easy. While we’re in court, I’ll make sure you register me.”
“She’ll register you tomorrow,” his mom screamed. “Or you’ll regret it.”

Jake’s parents left, and he followed, probably off to some club. It was the weekend, after all. Emily lay on her couch for a long time. Then, remembering Ethan, she pulled out his card.

Ethan Carter. Law Firm. Emily smiled.

On Monday, after classes, she faced a nasty surprise. She couldn’t get into her apartment. Jake had changed the locks.

She rang the bell and pounded on the door. Finally, a drunken voice answered, “What do you want?”
“Open the door now!”
“Go away! Register me, and then I’ll open it!” After a pause, he added, “Don’t bother calling the cops. They don’t get involved in domestic disputes.”

Emily froze on the landing. How had she not seen what a creep he was? And now what? The police wouldn’t help. She went downstairs and sat on a bench by the entrance. Then it hit her.

Digging through her bag, she found Ethan’s card and called him.
“Ethan, sorry it’s late!”

After explaining, she waited. Ethan arrived in minutes.
“We’re practically neighbors,” he grinned.

Emily tried to apologize again, but he waved it off.
“Don’t. I said anytime. Plus, I’m a night owl.”

They went back to her floor and rang the bell again.
“Get lost!” came from behind the door.

“Well, if your husband won’t open the door nicely, we’ll do it the hard way.”..