Chapter 3: His Perfect Image Cracks
The police didn't arrest Derek that evening.
They didn't need to.
The evidence was already building.
After answering questions, he watched helplessly as Skylar handed the officers property documents proving one simple fact.
The apartment belonged solely to her.
Purchased three years before the wedding.
No joint ownership.
No shared mortgage.
No legal claim.
Officer Hernandez turned toward Derek.
"Sir, once she requests it, you'll have to leave the property."
Suzanne exploded.
"This is ridiculous!"
"My brother lives here!"
Skylar calmly replied,
"No."
"He lived with me."
Silence.
Those six words landed harder than any scream.
The next morning Derek arrived at work expecting sympathy.
Instead, Human Resources asked him to step into a conference room.
Someone had already forwarded the police report.
Company policy required an internal investigation involving allegations of workplace reputation and violent conduct.
His manager folded his hands.
"We're placing you on administrative leave."
Derek stared in disbelief.
"For one argument with my wife?"
His manager answered quietly.
May you like
"No."
"For throwing boiling coffee in her face."
