a thousand, lest she cause a scene. If our relationship becomes public, our reputations will be tarnished.”
Jessica extinguished her cigarette and replied, “Your parents and sister are your family. They genuinely want what’s best for you. You should take their advice more seriously.”
Then she playfully added, “We’ve come this far, Hank. Should I rent out my apartment and move in with you?”
Hank kissed her gently and reassured her, “Not just yet. We’ll live together once I finalize the divorce with Liberty.”
He further promised, “Don’t worry, I won’t let Liberty take the house. I’ll keep the house and the car and will only provide her with a small amount of savings on paper. Jessica, I’ll ensure our future is free of worries. I will marry you properly.”
Jessica felt relieved. “My parents keep asking when we’ll get married. They think you’re too good, and someone might steal you away.”
She didn’t dare tell her parents that she was involved in someone else’s marriage, so she lied and said that Hank was still single.
At only thirty and having a successful career, her parents believed her claim about his single status. They proudly shared with friends and relatives how she had found such a capable boyfriend.
“We’ll get our marriage license as soon as I’m divorced, and then we’ll have a grand wedding,” he promised.
Jessica kissed his cheek softly, saying, “I’ll wait for you.”
The two exchanged sweet nothings for a while, and then Hank got out of bed to draft the divorce agreement.
After completing it, he handed it to Jessica for her review.
Hank was primarily focused on his own interests, so the divorce agreement was fairly acceptable to Jessica. The only point of contention for her was his desire to retain custody of Sonny.
Deep down, Jessica hoped that Hank would give up custody of
Sonny allowed Liberty to take him away, ensuring she wouldn’t have to face that eyesore. Who would want to take in and raise a child that wasn’t theirs? She was still young, and Hank wasn’t too old either. They would have their own children after marriage, and when that happened, Sonny would become an even greater eyesore.