---- Joel opened his mouth, hesitating like he wanted to say something more. But before he could, Rachel called out sweetly, "Joel!" And just like that, he turned and left me behind, just like he always had for the past few years. After the mandatory period passed, Joel was the first to show up and finalize the divorce. Michael, though, was nowhere to be found. Chloe called him over and over. Eventually, he showed up late, disheveled, and looking like he'd just been sucker -punched. "Joel, I forgot something this morning. While I went home to get it, I caught Rachel on the phone. She was bragging about how she strung us along. "She figured once we divorced, she'd get a nice payout and could marry some rich guy." "But now that we're walking away with no money, she wants to distance herself because she doesn't want anyone thinking she's taken. ---- "She said it might hurt her chances of hooking a rich husband. Joel, how could she be like that?" Joel's face went pale. He turned to me almost instinctively. "Anna-" "Don't. I don't want your apologies or your explanations. They mean nothing to me. Just do me one favor-stay the hell out of my life from now on." I turned to leave, but Joel grabbed my hand, refusing to let go.