Part 2: The Statements

Rosa asked me to bring the account statements, the proposed settlement, and any records of the payments to Marcus's parents. She also asked me to write down what I knew and separate it from what I suspected.

I knew that the monthly transfer on the bank statement differed from the screenshot Marcus had shown me. I suspected the screenshot had been altered. I did not yet know whether there was another explanation.

A forensic accountant reviewed the statements with us. She identified several recurring transfers: one to Marcus's parents and another to a business account I did not recognize. The second payment had appeared under a description that sounded like a household service. The bank records did not, by themselves, tell us who had authorized it or what service had been provided.

Rosa contacted the bank through the appropriate channel and advised me on protecting my own business accounts. We changed passwords, reviewed authorized users, and asked the bank to flag disputed transactions for investigation. She also reminded me not to interfere with funds that were subject to the separation process.

I called Marcus's mother, Elaine. Rosa had said I could ask about the family support directly, provided I did not accuse her of anything or discuss the disputed business account. Elaine sounded surprised.

“We thought you knew the payments had changed,” she said. “Marcus told us you had offered to cover the therapy appointments too.”

“Can you send me the bills you received?”

“I can. We paid the clinic ourselves and kept the receipts.”

She asked whether we were still separating. I said yes. Then she asked whether I was angry with her. I told her I needed to see the records before deciding what had happened. She deserved a chance to explain, and I deserved clear information about my own money.

At work, my design team was preparing a proposal for a community health center. I told my deputy, Dev, that I needed him to lead the client meeting. I did not explain the details of my marriage to the team. I did tell him which decisions he could make without me and when I would be available.

Dev sent a summary afterward. The client wanted a quieter waiting area, clearer signs, and a way for visitors to ask questions privately. I approved the next research phase. Work did not erase the situation at home, but it gave me a problem I could address with people who were willing to share information.

That evening Marcus sent a message: Elise needs to move in next week. You should collect the rest of your things.

I forwarded it to Rosa. She replied that arrangements for the house needed to be discussed through counsel. She advised me not to agree to a move or attempt to prevent one on my own until we understood the legal position.

I typed a short response: My attorney will contact yours about the house. Please do not make arrangements based on an unsigned proposal.

He answered with a photograph of the living room. A small pair of baby shoes sat on the mantel. Underneath he wrote, There's room for a family here.

I put the phone down. A photograph could be a message, a provocation, or a genuine attempt to imagine a future. It was not an agreement, and it did not tell me what the bank records meant. I returned to the statements and labeled each transfer for the accountant's review.