Chapter 9 - The House of Cards Collapses
The reality of their financial situation hit the Vance family like a freight train.
Without Elena's credit cards, Marcus could not afford his lifestyle.
He had quit his mediocre sales job two months before the wedding, claiming he was "focusing on bigger investments."
Those investments were entirely funded by Elena's father.
Now, the bank accounts were frozen, and the creditors were calling endlessly.
Arthur sat at the kitchen table, looking through a massive stack of bills.
"We are going to lose this house," Arthur said, rubbing his tired eyes.
Eleanor gasped. "What do you mean? We have lived here for twenty years!"
"We remortgaged the house to pay for Marcus's fake CEO lifestyle!" Arthur exploded.
"You told me Elena's family would pay it all off after the wedding!"
Eleanor looked away, guilt and shame finally washing over her face.
Marcus sat quietly in the corner, holding his head in his hands.
"I can get a job," Marcus muttered weakly.
Arthur laughed, a bitter, hollow sound.
"Doing what? You have no skills, no degree, and now, a domestic violence record."
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Because while they were arguing, a police cruiser pulled into their driveway.
Elena hadn't just filed for an annulment; she had pressed assault charges.
