It was seven a.m. The morning sun was just starting to filter through the plantation shutters, casting long barred shadows across the carpet. I had just come back from my morning run, still wearing my leggings and a light jacket, expecting to grab a coffee and start my workday.

Instead, I walked into an ambush.

“You can’t be serious, Stuart,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

I wasn’t scared. I was stunned by the sheer audacity.

He smirked, leaning back and lacing his fingers behind his head. He was wearing the silk robe I bought him for Christmas, the one that cost more than my first car.

“I am deadly serious. Marriage is a partnership, Meredith. Fifty-fifty. But since you’ve been so difficult lately about my business ventures, I think it’s time we restructure.”