My fingers went numb. I stared at the dark screen like it might explain itself.
His brother, Grant, laughed. “Especially with her kids. She’s desperate for stability.”
Owen lowered his voice, smug. “Exactly. Two kids, different dad, no ring. She’ll cling to whatever looks like a fresh start.”
My stomach turned hard. My children—Liam and Sophie—were asleep in the next room, excited for tomorrow. They’d picked out their outfits and practiced walking down the aisle with flower petals. Owen had promised them we were becoming a real family.
Patricia’s voice sharpened. “And the house? Your father says don’t marry her unless the deed is protected. We’re not letting her take what you built.”
Owen replied, “Relax. I’ve got it. I already talked to the lawyer. The prenup is drafted so anything she brings in becomes marital, but what I own stays mine. And if she leaves, she leaves with nothing.”
Grant added, “Make sure you add the clause about child support. You don’t want to be paying for kids that aren’t yours.”
Owen snorted. “I won’t. I’ll have her sign something after the wedding. My buddy at HR said there’s a way to structure benefits too—claim them, then drop them if she acts up.”
My throat tightened so fast I had to put a hand over my mouth to keep from making a sound.
Patricia said, “Good. And remember, once you marry her, she’ll stop pushing for that ‘joint account’ nonsense. Keep control. You handle the money.”
