Chapter 9

“Congratulations, Ms. Mitchell. You are officially divorced.”

Emma stared at the document in her hands, the embossed seal of Suffolk County Court catching the light. After weeks of waiting, months of limbo, and one very awkward coffee shop reconciliation attempt, it was done. She was no longer Emma Reynolds.

“How do you feel?” asked Diane, her shark of a lawyer.

“Lighter,” Emma answered honestly. “Like I put down a heavy bag I’ve been carrying too long.”

“Good analogy.” Diane gathered her papers. “And excellent timing.” The non-disclosure agreement expires today as well.”

“Meaning I can finally tell people who I really am.”

“Exactly. Though given your ex-husband’s prominence, I’d recommend a strategic approach.”

Emma smiled. “Already in progress.”

“You can’t wear that.” Lisa Chen, PR director extraordinaire, shook her head firmly at Emma’s navy suit. “It’s too... assistant-y.”

“It’s Armani,” Emma protested.

“And it says ‘I