Her Husband Didn’t Know her Nanny Cam Was Still On When she Left For Work; And What she Discovered ta – Part 2

So, you’ve been the primary earnner throughout the marriage. Yes. and the affair has been going on for at least 6 months based on your evidence. At least, maybe longer. Patricia set down her pen and looked directly at Simone. Here’s my assessment. You’re in a very strong position. The house is yours. The bulk of the savings is yours. You outear him significantly, and you have extensive proof of his adultery, which in this state can impact the division of assets and alimony considerations.

What that means is that not only will you keep what’s rightfully yours, but Dererick will have no grounds to claim alimony or support from you. In fact, he’ll be lucky to walk away with his car and his 401k. What about the joint savings account? Can he clean it out before I file? He could try, which is why I recommend we move quickly.

Today, I want you to go withdraw half of that joint account and put it in a separate account in only your name. It’s not illegal. It’s protecting your interest. If he questions it, tell him you’re moving money into a higher yield savings account. Then we’ll file the divorce papers within the next 2 weeks. 2 weeks. Simone felt a flutter of panic.

That’s so fast. It needs to be. The longer you wait, the more opportunity he has to hide assets, drain accounts, or create problems. You’ve done your homework. You have your evidence. Now we need to act on it. Patricia leaned forward. I also recommend changing your direct deposit for your paycheck. You said you have a new account already.

Yes, at a different bank. Good. Change your direct deposit to that account today. Don’t tell Derek. Any money you earn from this point forward is yours. If he asks about a missing paycheck, tell him there was a delay at work. By the time he figures out something’s wrong, the divorce papers will be filed. Simone nodded, her mind spinning.

This was really happening. She was really doing this. One more thing, Patricia said. You mentioned the other woman’s name is Amber. Do you know her last name where she works? Her last name is Collins. She works at I think it’s Family First Insurance. It’s one of those companies that’s big on family values and Christian principles.

I saw it in her email signature. Patricia made a note. Perfect. Companies like that tend to have morality clauses in their employment contracts. If they found out an employee was knowingly involved with a married man, especially if there’s proof, they might terminate her employment. You want me to tell her employer? I’m not telling you to do anything.

I’m simply informing you that it’s an option. Some clients find it therapeutic. Others don’t care. It’s entirely up to you. Patricia closed her portfolio. Now, let’s talk about my fees and the next steps. They spent another hour going over paperwork, timelines, and strategy. Patricia’s retainer was $5,000, but Simone had been saving money in her personal account for weeks now, anticipating this cost.

She wrote the check without hesitation. As she left the office, Simone felt different, lighter somehow. For weeks, she’d been carrying the weight of Dererick’s betrayal alone, pretending everything was fine. But now, she had an ally. She had a plan. She had a way forward. This wasn’t just about revenge anymore. It was about justice.

It was about taking back control of her life. She went straight to the bank and withdrew $20,000 from the joint account, depositing it into her new account. Then she went to her office and changed her direct deposit information in the company’s HR portal. Her next paycheck due in 5 days would go to her new account. Dererick would never see it.

That evening, Dererick was in a good mood. He’d sold a big ticket item at work and earned a commission. He suggested they go out to dinner to celebrate. Simone agreed, even though the thought of sitting across from him at a restaurant made her feel sick, but she smiled and got dressed and went to dinner and pretended to be happy for him.

At the restaurant, Dererick held her hand across the table. “You know, I’m really lucky to have you,” he said. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” Simone looked at him. This man she’d loved for 7 years. This man who’d betrayed her in the worst way possible, and she felt nothing. No love, no anger, just emptiness.

“I’m glad you think so,” she said. He didn’t notice the coldness in her voice. He never noticed anything about her anymore. When they got home, Dererick wanted to be intimate. Simone made an excuse about being tired about not feeling well. He looked disappointed but didn’t push. She went to bed and turned away from him, staring at the wall until she heard his breathing slow into sleep.

Soon she thought soon this would all be over. Soon she’d be free of him. Soon she’d have her life back. The next morning, while Dererick was in the shower, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. Simone glanced at it and saw a text from Amber. We need to talk. Call me. So, Amber hadn’t ended it after all, despite what she’d said in Simone’s office.

Or maybe Dererick had convinced her to stay. It didn’t matter. Simone screenshot the message and sent it to herself, then deleted the evidence from Dererick’s phone. Just more ammunition for her lawyer. Over the next 2 weeks, Simone continued her careful preparations. She transferred more of her personal items out of the house.

She made copies of all their important documents, tax returns, bank statements, everything. She reviewed every piece of evidence she’d collected, making sure it was organized and ready for Patricia. She also made a decision about Amber’s employer. She drafted an anonymous email with the subject line, employee conduct concern, and attached selected screenshots of emails where Amber clearly acknowledged Derrick’s marriage, and expressed excitement about the affair.

She included timestamps from the nanny cam footage showing Amber entering Simone’s home during work hours. She didn’t send it yet. that would come later at the right time. Dererick remained oblivious. He came home everyday, kissed Simone, hello, ate the dinner she made, watched TV, and went to bed.

He kept up his routine with Amber every Tuesday and Thursday like clockwork. He kept lying to Simone’s face, telling her he loved her, making plans for their future. He was so confident he’d never get caught. That confidence was about to be shattered. Simone had one more meeting with Patricia scheduled for the following Monday.

They would finalize everything and prepare to serve Dererick with the divorce papers. It was almost time. On the Sunday before that final meeting, Simone stood in her kitchen making coffee and looked around at the house she’d bought with her own money. This was her home. Dererick had never appreciated it.

He’d never appreciated her. But that was okay because soon he’d be gone and she’d have her sanctuary back. She’d have her peace back. She’d have herself back. She heard Derek coming down the stairs and pasted on a smile. Good morning. Want some coffee? Yeah, thanks, babe, he said, kissing her cheek.

What do you want to do today? I was thinking we could just relax at home, Simone said. Maybe watch some movies. Order take out. Sounds perfect. Dererick settled on the couch with his coffee, already reaching for the TV remote. Simone looked at him, knowing these were some of the last normal moments they’d have together. By this time next week, everything would be different. He’d know that she knew.

he’d know that he’d lost and she couldn’t wait. Monday morning came bright and clear. Simone woke up before Derek as she always did and went through her morning routine. She showered, dressed in her favorite navy blue suit, and made herself breakfast. By the time Dererick stumbled into the kitchen, she was ready for the day.

“You look nice,” he said, pouring himself coffee. “Big meeting today? Just the usual client stuff?” She lied smoothly. “What about you? Anything special at work? Nah, probably just a slow Monday. He scrolled through his phone while eating cereal. Probably texting Amber, Simone thought. She didn’t care anymore. She kissed him goodbye at 8:30 and drove to Patricia’s office.

This time, she brought three copies of everything. All the videos on USB drives, all the emails and texts printed and organized in binders, her financial documents, and her list of personal property. They spent 3 hours going through every detail. This is one of the most well-documented cases I’ve seen,” Patricia said, impressed.

“You’ve done excellent work. He won’t have a leg to stand on.” “When do we file?” Simone asked. “I’ll have the papers drawn up by Wednesday. We can file them with the court on Thursday. The question is, how do you want him served? We can have a process server go to his workplace or to the house, or we can arrange for you to be present when he’s served.

” Simone thought about it. I want to be there. I want to see his face when he realizes it’s over. Then I suggest we do it at the house somewhere private. That way there’s no public scene. We can schedule it for a specific time and you can have your locks changed immediately afterward. I’ll give you the contact information for a locksmith who can be on standby.

What about his stuff, his clothes and things? He’ll have a reasonable time to remove his personal property, but since the house is yours, you’re under no obligation to let him stay. We’ll include in the papers that he must vacate the premises within 24 hours of being served. Can he fight that? He can try, but given the circumstances and the fact that you’re the sole owner, a judge will likely side with you, especially with evidence of adultery committed in your home.

They worked out all the details. Service would happen on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. Patricia would be present along with the process server. Simone would have a locksmith ready to change all the locks as soon as Derek left. She’d also have a friend there for support. Someone Patricia recommended from a local domestic transition support group.

What should I do this week? Simone asked. Just act normal. Exactly. Keep doing what you’ve been doing. Don’t give him any reason to suspect something’s wrong. Don’t remove any more items from the house because he might notice. Just live your life normally for 5 more days. Can you do that? Simone nodded. 5 days.

She could make it 5 more days. She went to work after the meeting and tried to focus on her job. She had two property showings that afternoon and a contract negotiation for a major client. Real estate was her escape right now, the one place where she felt in control and competent. Her colleagues had noticed she seemed stressed lately, but she blamed it on work pressure.

No one knew what was really going on in her personal life. That evening, she came home to find Derek on the couch watching sports. “Hey babe,” he called out. “I ordered pizza. It should be here soon. “Thanks,” she said, setting down her bag and joining him. They ate pizza and watched TV like a normal couple. Dererick even laughed at something on the screen and reached over to squeeze her hand. She let him, feeling nothing.

Later that night, after Dererick fell asleep, Simone lay awake thinking about what her life would look like after Saturday. She’d have the house to herself. She’d have her freedom. She’d have a fresh start. It was scary and exciting all at once. She’d been with Derek for 7 years, married for five. She’d gotten comfortable in their routine, even if it hadn’t been perfect.

Now she was about to blow up that entire life and rebuild from scratch. But she was ready, more than ready. She was eager. The next few days passed slowly. Tuesday and Thursday came and as expected, Dererick brought Amber over while Simone was at work. She watched the footage on her phone during her lunch break, feeling detached from it now. These videos used to make her cry.

Now they just made her impatient. She wanted this to be over. On Friday night, Dererick suggested they go out for drinks with some friends. Simone almost said no, but then she thought it might be good to have one last normal night before everything changed. They went to a bar downtown where two of Dererick’s co-workers and their girlfriends were meeting them.

Simone nursed a single drink all night while Dererick had several beers. He got louder and more animated as the night went on, telling stories and laughing. His coworker Brandon leaned over to Simone at one point and said, “You guys seem really happy. It’s nice to see a solid couple.” Simone forced a smile. “Thanks. If only he knew the truth.

If only any of them knew that in less than 24 hours, this solid couple would be done.” They got home around midnight. Dererick immediately passed out on the bed, still in his clothes. Simone changed into pajamas, removed his shoes so he’d be more comfortable, and set a glass of water on his nightstand. Even now, even knowing what he’d done, she couldn’t help but take care of him out of habit.

But after tomorrow, that would be his problem, not hers. She woke up early on Saturday morning, her stomach twisted in knots. This was it, the day everything changed. Dererick was still asleep, snoring softly. She got up quietly, showered, and dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, something comfortable and practical.

She made coffee and sat at the kitchen table checking her phone. Patricia had texted, “We’re on schedule for 10:00 a.m. See you soon.” Simone replied, “Ready?” Derek woke up around 9:00 and came downstairs in his pajama pants, yawning. Morning. You’re up early. Couldn’t sleep? She said truthfully. Want to do something today? Maybe go to that new brunch place.

Let’s just hang out here for a bit. Simone said, “I’m not really hungry yet.” Okay. He made himself breakfast and turned on the TV. Saturday morning cartoons, which he always watched like a big kid. Simone sat on the couch next to him watching the clock. 9:15, 9:30, 9:45. At 9:55, she heard a car pull into the driveway.

Then another. Her heart started pounding. “Are you expecting someone?” Dererick asked, looking confused. “Yes,” Simone said quietly. “I am.” The doorbell rang. Dererick got up to answer it and Simone followed. When he opened the door, three people stood on the porch. Patricia in a gray suit, a man in a business casual outfit holding a manila envelope, and a woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile.

Derek Turner, the man asked. Yeah, that’s me, Derek said slowly. You’ve been served. The man handed him the envelope. Have a good day. Derek stood frozen, staring at the envelope. Then he looked at Patricia, then at Simone. What? What is this? Those are divorce papers, Simone said calmly. You should read them. Divorce? Simone? What are you talking about? His voice was rising.

Is this a joke? It’s not a joke. I know about Amber. I know about everything. I’ve known for a month. Dererick’s face went white. Amber, I don’t. How did you? The nanny cam? Simone said, I saw everything. Every time you brought her here, every lie you told me. Everything. Simone, please let me explain. I don’t want to hear it.

She kept her voice steady even though her hands were shaking. You have 24 hours to get your things and leave. This house is mine. I’m changing the locks today. If you try to come back after that, I’ll call the police. You can’t just kick me out. I live here. Patricia stepped forward. Actually, she can. The house is in her name only. You have no legal claim to it.

and if you’d like to discuss the matter further, you can contact my office. My card is in the envelope. Dererick looked at the envelope in his hands like it was a bomb. Then he looked at Simone with tears in his eyes. Babe, please. We can work through this. I made a mistake. I’ll end things with her. I’ll do whatever you want. Please don’t do this.

Simone felt a twist in her chest, but she pushed it away. You didn’t make a mistake, Derek. You made a choice. You made that choice every single Tuesday and Thursday for months. You chose to betray me, to lie to me, to bring another woman into my home. And now I’m making a choice. I’m choosing to be done with you, Simone.

Read the papers,” she interrupted. “Get a lawyer if you want, but you need to leave by tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. That’s non-negotiable.” Dererick’s expression changed from pleading to angry. “Fine, fine, if that’s how you want it.” He threw the envelope on the floor and stormed upstairs. The woman with the kind eyes stepped forward. Hi, Simone. I’m Karen.

I’m here to support you through this transition. Why don’t we sit down while he packs? They went to the kitchen while Patricia made some phone calls. Simone could hear Dererick slamming drawers and closets upstairs. Karen made her some tea. “You’re doing great,” she said softly. “I know this is hard.

I thought I’d feel relief,” Simone admitted. “But I just feel numb. That’s normal. You’re in shock. The relief will come later. Dererick came downstairs 45 minutes later with two suitcases and a box of his things. He changed into jeans and a hoodie. His eyes were red. I’ll be back tomorrow to get the rest, he said coldly. I’ll be here, Simone replied.

He walked out without another word. They heard his car start and drive away. Patricia hung up her phone. Locksmith will be here in 20 minutes. You did well, Simone. I know that wasn’t easy. It wasn’t, but it was done. And as Simone watched the locksmith change every lock on her doors an hour later, she felt the first tiny flutter of relief. Her home was hers again.

Derek couldn’t just walk in anymore. It was over. The next morning, Sunday, Simone woke up alone in her bed for the first time in years. The house felt different, quieter, emptier, but not in a bad way. She got up, made coffee, and sat on her back patio watching the sunrise. This was her life now, just hers.

She could do whatever she wanted with it. Dererick came back at 10:00 a.m. as promised, with his brother to help him move. Simone let them in and stayed in the kitchen while they hauled boxes and furniture out. Dererick took his clothes, his gaming system, his sports memorabilia, and a few pieces of furniture that had been his before the marriage.

He didn’t try to take anything else. Simone had already removed anything sentimental or valuable, so she didn’t care what he took. When they finished, Dererick came to the kitchen doorway. He looked terrible like he hadn’t slept. “Can we talk?” he asked quietly. “No,” Simone said. “Anything you need to say can go through my lawyer.

” “I just want you to know I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you, but you did hurt me. You made that choice. It wasn’t supposed to mean anything. It was just I don’t know. I got stupid. You got selfish.” Simone corrected. And now you’re dealing with the consequences. Goodbye, Derek. He stood there for a moment longer, then turned and left.

Simone heard the front door close and his truck pull away. She walked through the house, checking that he hadn’t taken anything he wasn’t supposed to. Everything looked fine. He was gone. Really truly gone. She spent the rest of Sunday cleaning. She washed all the bedding, scrubbed every surface, opened all the windows to air the house out.

She was erasing Derek from her space, making it hers again. Felt good. It felt therapeutic. On Monday, she went back to work with a renewed focus. She had a major commercial property deal that she’d been working on for months, and it was finally ready to close. The commission from this deal would be substantial, nearly $40,000.