For the next two days he spoke about luxury condos, a new car, and trips to Europe, repeating, “I always knew I was meant for something bigger.” He began looking at me with open criticism and said, “If I am stepping into a higher circle, I need a wife who matches it, you should work on yourself.”
On the morning of the will reading, he refused my offer to go with him and said, “This is Gallagher family business, you stay here.” He returned that night glowing with excitement and announced, “It is worth about two million dollars, I am set for life.”
Two days later, he stood in our kitchen and said in a calm, chilling voice, “We need to end this, I am starting fresh and you are holding me back.” When I whispered, “You waited for the money before saying this,” he did not deny it.
He had already packed my clothes into a suitcase and two bags while I was at work. He handed me divorce papers and said, “Sign here, I do not need you anymore, I am rich now.”
I signed without drama because something inside me had already broken beyond repair. I called my best friend Mallory Jensen and asked if I could stay with her, and she answered, “Of course, get over here right now.”
Four days later, just as I was preparing to leave for work from Mallory’s apartment in Wicker Park, I received a call from Whitman Legal Group. The attorney, Harold Whitman, said, “Ms. Monroe, you need to come in regarding Theodore Gallagher’s estate.”
Confused, I replied, “I am no longer married to Preston,” and he answered, “That is precisely why your presence is required.” That evening I walked into the office on North Michigan Avenue and saw Preston standing pale beside his great aunt, Lorraine Dawson, who watched him with disappointment.
Harold Whitman read the will aloud and explained that all assets would go to Preston only if he remained legally married to me for one full year after Theodore’s death. He then continued, “If the marriage is dissolved before that period ends, the entire estate transfers to Eliza Monroe in recognition of her character.”
Preston stared at the attorney and shouted, “That is impossible,” but Lorraine said quietly, “Your grandfather saw how you treated her when he visited two years ago.” The attorney confirmed that Preston had filed and finalized the divorce the day before, which meant the condition had been broken.