Chapter 5
Bright and early, Paisley showed up with her little boy in tow. The moment she released his tiny hand, Ace darted straight into Elijah’s arms, shouting 'Uncle!' repeatedly like it was the best word in the world. Paisley couldn’t help but laugh. 'This kid’s crazy about you,' she said. 'He won’t stop saying Uncle Elijah has to take him to school!' Elijah, without missing a beat, snagged his coat off the hook. 'Alright, let me grab my stuff and we’re out,' he replied. Paisley then shifted her focus to me, her voice hesitant. 'Alora, about the house...' I flashed a quick smile. 'Once Elijah signs the papers, I’ll sign too.' Elijah froze mid-motion, his coat halfway on. 'Wait, what do I need to sign for your house?' Before I could jump in, he cut me off, his tone sharp. 'It’s just a house I promised Paisley. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?' I shot back, 'If it weren’t for the fact that my place is miles away and a nightmare for dropping Ace off, do you really think I’d care about this one?' I added, 'Your name’s on the deed. I won’t feel comfortable living there unless you transfer it to me.' Elijah looked stunned. 'Alora, after all these years, you’re really hung up on this?' Was I though? After a chat with my lawyer, I’d found out that any property under Elijah’s name, even if it’s supposed to be marital property, needed his green light for any changes. Unless he agreed to transfer it to me. I slid the prepped agreement across the table. 'You sign, then I sign. Or forget it!' Elijah’s face darkened as he stared at me, clearly thrown by this curveball. I felt a twinge of unease—hidden in that stack was not just the house transfer, but also our divorce papers. Just then, Paisley tugged at Elijah’s arm, whispering, 'Elijah, Ace is going to be late...' Elijah gave me one last icy glare, scribbled his signature, and tossed the papers my way. 'Get the transfer done by this afternoon. Tomorrow, Paisley and Ace are moving in.' I smirked. By this afternoon, I’d be packed and out of here.