The “family lunch” was not really lunch. When I arrived, Beatrice had a notary waiting at the dining table beside a folder of documents she described as routine refinancing paperwork. Roman told me signing would “protect the family” before the baby arrived. I opened the folder and immediately recognized what Simone had warned me about: documents that would have changed how the apartment was titled and given Roman rights he did not currently have on the deed. I closed the folder without signing anything.

Then Corinne walked into the room visibly pregnant. Nobody needed to explain the $4,700 transfer anymore. Roman finally admitted the relationship had been going on for months, although any questions about the baby’s paternity would require proper confirmation. What mattered immediately was the money. Records Simone had helped me gather showed thousands of dollars from accounts I funded going toward Corinne’s rent, medical expenses, gifts, and the planned shower.

I placed copies of the transfer and messages on Beatrice’s table.

“You wanted my signature before I learned where the money was going.”

Nobody denied it.

My attorney later handled the separation, property questions, and financial accounting through the proper process. I never signed their papers.

Roman had spent months telling me we could not afford a crib.

He could afford one.

He was simply preparing it for another home.