Page 61 of Rekindling Desire

“Congratulations are overdue.” A fit tall man with graying hair, Timothy was the epitome of an attorney. His words were measured and weighed.

“Shit,” I mumbled as we both took our seats. “When?”

“The license was issued in April of last year.”

I nodded. “That would be about right.”

“The marriage was officiated June third of last year.”

“Fuck, it’s about our anniversary.” I had a thought. “Is there a time constraint on annulments? Do we have to work fast?”

“Marriages of any length can be annulled if they meet the criteria.”

“How about I didn’t fucking know about it?”

Timothy smiled. “Marriage by fraud and marriage by coercion are both plausible grounds. We can go ahead and file for the annulment, or you can take this further.”

“What do you mean?”

He pointed to a signature on the license. “I checked out this officiant.”

I leaned forward, reading the name. “Donald Vallencia. Should I know that name?”

“Mr. Vallencia obtained an online certificate of clergy. That is public record. It took a little longer to learn that Mr. Vallencia is Gloria Wilmott’s gardener who happens to be in the United States on an O-1 visa. That visa was set to expire last July.”

“O-1, what is that?”

“It’s a visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.”

“Gloria’s gardener? Am I missing something?”

“As an employee of Mrs. Wilmott, she was able to file his application for extension. Mr. Vallencia is also a doctoral student for music at Indiana University. He’s said to have a tremendous gift, playing multiple instruments. The member of the citizenship and immigration services who ultimately approved the extension clerked for Jordon Wilmott years ago.

“After your marriage license was filed, Mr. Vallencia received a one-time bonus of $100,000 from Gloria Wilmott.”

“Fuck,” I said, leaning back in the chair. “Don’t tell me—Gloria was one of the witnesses?”

Timothy shook his head. “Witnesses aren’t required in Indiana.”

“I’ve been married for almost a year. Gloria knew it and Amber knew it, and they sat on it. I could be out of my probationary period. Dad could have avoided the stress with me and the board.”

Timothy tapped the papers. “You’ve got a lawsuit here. Fraud and coercion.”

Gabriella

“Do you want me to go into the building with you?” Deidra asked.

I looked at the building where I’d worked for the last two-plus years. “I’m good on my own. Should I call or text you when I’m ready to leave?” I shook my head. “This is new and a bit odd.”

Deidra smiled. “Your husband is obviously concerned. In my line of work, if someone is concerned, there’s a reason. Text is fine. You have my number.”

My husband.

I didn’t have it in me to correct her. I was saving up my energy for the discussion with Millie. “I do,” I said, getting out of the car.

“Ella,” Niles called from a few rows away in the parking lot.

I waited for him to get to me.

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