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

She quickly brewed a pot.
“Ethan, I don’t know how to thank you. I know your services aren’t cheap, but I’ll pay you back.”
“No rush. I like helping good people, sometimes for free. My dad gives me grief for it.”
“Is he the other Carter in your firm’s name?”
“I’m the first,” Ethan laughed, then added, “Since I said you filed for divorce today, should we make it official? Or do you not want to?”
“Of course I do.”

Lost in talk and paperwork, they didn’t notice midnight pass. Leo installed a top-notch lock.
“Even I’d struggle to crack this one,” he said proudly..

Emily and Ethan switched to first names. A month later, Emily walked out of the courthouse, divorce papers in hand.

After a brief talk with Ethan, Jake signed everything without a word and left town. He was expelled from the university. Six months later, Emily graduated and got a job.

Her friendship with Ethan turned romantic, but she’s in no rush to remarry. They spend evenings together, Ethan working on cases, Emily freelancing on academic papers to pay off her parents’ wedding loan as fast as possible.