Chapter 4 - The Penthouse Lockout
The elevator ride up to the 40th floor of their luxury building felt like an eternity. Marcus rehearsed his apologies. He would tell Elena he would go to therapy. He would sign a post-nuptial agreement. He would do whatever it took to keep his lifestyle intact.
The elevator doors chimed open into their private foyer.
Marcus reached for the biometric lock on the heavy oak door and pressed his thumb against the scanner.
Beep-beep. Unrecognized print.
He tried again. Unrecognized print.
Panic setting in, he banged his fist against the wood. “Elena! Open the door! Elena, I know you’re in there!”
The door to the service elevator opened behind him. The building’s property manager, David, stepped out, looking uncomfortable. He was followed by two burly movers who were rolling a large, industrial cart loaded with Marcus’s designer suits, his golf clubs, and his collection of vintage watches.
“Mr. Vance,” David said, clearing his throat. “Mrs. Vance requested that we change the locks this morning.”
“She can’t do that! This is my house!” Marcus screamed, losing the last shred of his dignity.
“Actually, sir, the lease is solely in her LLC’s name. We checked the paperwork,” David explained gently. “She paid the penalty to break the lease early, but she maintains exclusive access until the end of the month. She asked us to pack your personal effects. They are all right here.”
Marcus stared at the cart. Ten years of marriage, reduced to a pile of luggage in a hallway.
“Where is she?” Marcus demanded.
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“She boarded a flight to Paris three hours ago, sir. She said she needed a vacation.”
Marcus sank against the wall, sliding down to the marble floor. He was jobless, homeless, and broke, sitting next to a pile of expensive suits he had nowhere to wear.
